Although eating problems--ranging from body dissatisfaction and dieting to anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa--can begin and typically have their roots in childhood, theory and research in developmental psychopathology and developmental psychology have not received substantial attention in eating disorders research. This book provides crucial background material from both fields, and then makes direct applications to numerous aspects of the field of eating disorders including theory, research, treatment, and primary prevention. This book was born out of a transaction between frustration and optimism. The frustrations reflected the limitations of current knowledge about eating problems and disorders. Etiological "causes" which are sensitive and specific to eating disorders have been elusive. Although there is some understanding of risk factors, little is known about protective factors. This has made prevention, among other things, difficult. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the association between risk factors and disordered eating are poorly understood. For example, it is known that women are at greater risk than men are, but clinicians are hard- pressed to get beyond gender-based speculations and demonstrate why this is true. The optimism grows from familiarity with the field of developmental psychopathology. It seems evident that this approach has much to offer the field of eating disorders. This book is an early step in the integration of developmental psychopathology into theorizing, research, treatment, and prevention of eating disorders. It addresses four specific goals: * to introduce the principles and methodologies of developmental psychopathology, * to review the work of developmental psychologists in several major areas of behavior relevant to understanding the causes, treatment, and prevention of eating disorders, * to apply developmental psychopathology principles to the area of eating disorders, both in the form of theoretical models and in specific areas/issues raised by developmental psychopathology, and * to discuss the implications of developmental approaches for prevention programs and treatments.

First published in 1994. As the incidence of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and obesity sometimes caused by compulsive eating has risen, so has research and literature in the field. Presenting current knowledge of these eating disorders - the most common types found in adolescents and adults - this book addresses issues relevant to all.; Examining the pertinent history, aetiology, psychotherapy, and sociology, the contributors define these eating disorders and discuss issues of recovery and methods of treatment.; They also consider the problem as it exists in both male and females in this multicultural society. The resulting volume is divided into four parts: the first gives an overview in general, and the next three focus individually on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and obesity respectively.

Chapters by distinguished investigators in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and child development, many of whose work led to the new developmental model of psychopathology, provide a unique review of current research on vulnerability and resistance to disorder.

In the last 15 years, the field of developmental psychopathology has made enormous strides in uncovering the mechanisms and processes underlying the emergence of mental illness and dysfunction. Interdisciplinary in nature, the field has engaged the efforts of scientists with orientations ranging from developmental psychology to psychobiology. In Frontiers of Developmental Psychopathology, the editors have brought together some of the field's most respected researchers--including Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Barbara A. Cornblatt, Richard A. Depue, and Marian Sigman--to discuss the latest research and to offer a perspective on where the field should be heading in the future. Focusing on topics as varied as schizophrenia, autism, depression, eating disorders, antisocial behavior, and personality disorders, each contributor offers a unique perspective on a particular subject, presents theoretical guidelines that can be applied to a range of research endeavors, and suggests specific courses for research in the future. Frontiers of Developmental Psychopathology is a unique resource that represents a range of opinion one of the hottest topics in psychology today. It will be invaluable to researchers and students of psychopathology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and psychiatry alike.

Countering the emphasis on treatment within the specific disease model, nine contributions focus mainly on the primary prevention of anorexia and bulimia by reducing risks through public education, and secondarily on improving identification and intervention. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This is the first authored volume to offer a detailed, integrated analysis of the field of eating problems and disorders with theory, research, and practical experience from community and developmental psychology, public health, psychiatry, and dietetics. The book highlights connections between the prevention of eating problems and disorders and theory and research in the areas of prevention and health promotion; theoretical models of risk development and prevention (e.g., developmental psychopathology, social cognitive theory, feminist theory, ecological approaches); and related research on the prevention of smoking and alcohol use. It is the most comprehensive book available on the study of prevention programs, especially for children and adolescents. The authors review the spectrum of eating problems and disorders, the related risk and protective factors, the models that have guided prevention efforts to date, the literature on the studies of prevention, and suggestions for curriculum and program development and evaluation. The book concludes with a new prevention program based on the Feminist Ecological Developmental model. The 800 + references highlight work done around the world. The Prevention of Eating Problems and Eating Disorders addresses: * methodologies for assessing and establishing prevention; * the implications of neuroscience for prevention; * dramatic increases in the incidence of obesity; * the role of boys, men, and the media on body image; * prevention programming for minority groups; and * whether to focus on primary or secondary prevention. Intended for clinicians and academicians from disciplines such as health, clinical, developmental, and community psychology; social work; medicine; and public health; this book is also an ideal text for advanced courses on eating disorders.

Presents a comprehensive summary of the most recent empirical findings on the prevalence, nature, and treatment of specific childhood and adolescent disorders. The volume is divided into three sections. Section One covers general issues in the scientific study of mental disorders. The chapters in Section Two will cover definition and classification, epidemiology, risk factors, course and outcome, etiologic factors, and treatment. The third and final section contains a chapter on progress and unresolved issues in the field with some recommendations for future studies. This book is written by experts in the field with a comprehensive range of the most recent research findings, and provides an invaluable reference source for the understanding of the current status of specific developmental psychopathology.

Do certain eating disorders directly correlate with neglect and abuse? What do eating and growth disorders have in common? And, are some treatment methods more successful than others in treating such disorders? In Eating and Growth Disorders in Infants and Children Woolston examines the relevant literature on each major eating and growth disorder from infancy through childhood. Among the disorders considered are failure to thrive, psychosocial dwarfism, rumination, pica, obesity, and anorexia nervosa. The author describes the emergence and course of each specific disorder, discusses known or suspected risk factors, and alerts the reader to unresolved clinical and research issues. Woolston also stresses the advantages of using a multidisciplinary team approach --including a pediatrician, a nurse, a developmental psychologist, a social worker, and a nutritionist--and points out that all aspects and levels of risk should be considered. Comprehensive, yet concise, this book presents an excellent overview of the various aspects of each disorder. It is an indispensable volume for professionals and students in developmental psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work, and nursing.

In a detailed analysis of the field of eating problems and disorders, this book highlights the connections between the prevention of eating problems and disorders, and theory and research in the areas of prevention and health promotion. It also looks at models of risk development and prevention, specific issues and challenges, the status of current prevention research, and lessons for prevention program development. In this unique text Levine and Smolak draw on a range of interdisciplinary perspectives, including prevention science, developmental psychology, public health, and neuroscience, to provide a thorough review, history, and critique of the topic in light of a range of empirical studies. The only authored volume with a broad, detailed and integrated view of theories, research, and practice, this expanded, fully revised, and updated new edition features new chapters on dissonance-based approaches, public health, biopsychiatry and neuroscience, gender, culture(s), technology, obesity, protective factors, and ecological approaches. The Prevention of Eating Problems and Eating Disorders: Theories, Research, and Applications is essential reading for clinicians, academics, researchers, graduate students, upper-level undergraduates, and activists and advocates involved in work pertaining to eating disorders, disordered eating, prevention, health promotion, body image, obesity and biopsychosocial perspectives.