Links between Emotional Abuse and Eating Disorders
Childhood abuse is universally denounced in our state and country with laws and organizations that fight against antecedents and perpetuating factors. Physical and sexual abuse are obvious, with overt and empirical evidences, as is neglect in many instances. Emotional abuse is less overt and impacts those who experience it with as much force as other forms of abuse.
In Jantz and McMurray’s (2003) book called “Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse,” they assert there are negative and real effects of emotional abuse on children that last into adulthood.
They state, “It is important to understand that abuse has a broad definition as well as broad effects. While physical and sexual abuse can be much more visible, and therefore are considered more severe, it is vital not to measure abuse on a scale of "bad" to "worse." Rather, it is important to acknowledge its presence, whether in the past or the present. Emotional abuse always accompanies physical or sexual abuse, but stands fully on its own as damaging and destructive to an individual” (Jantz & McMurray, 2003).
In their book, they discuss a growing concern over the frequency of which emotional abuse is overlooked, particularly when eating disorders are being treated. Often in his work, Dr. Jantz noticed that focus and conceptualization of abuse had been centered around "physical beatings, outward neglect, and sexual invasion of children” (Jantz & McMurray, 2003, p.17). He attributes the overlooking of emotional abuse to the lack of scar tissue, bruises, or other bodily marks, and states that even when “invisible,” emotional wounds make up a real and damaging form of abuse.
“Emotional abuse isn't normal. Emotional abuse is the consistent pattern of being treated unfairly and unjustly over a period of time, usually by the same person or people. It can also be a one time traumatic event that is left unresolved. Emotional abuse is an intentional assault by one person on another to so distort the victim's view of self that the victim allows the abuser to control him or her” (Jantz & McMurray, 2003).
In an article titled “The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Eating Disorders”, Cassandra Gibson-Judkins related that there are multiple identified factors that contribute to the onset of an eating disorder, most notable of those factors is childhood trauma. She conveyed that the development of psychological issues, such as body image, binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia are just as likely to occur when a child experiences emotional abuse, as they are when a child experiences physical or sexual abuse.
“Millions of people throughout the United States suffer from eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder (BED), and Bulimia Nervosa. Though it affects both men and women, women are more likely to experience anorexia nervosa (75%) and binge eating disorders (60%)” (Gibson-Judkins, 2019). In their research, Grilo and Masheb (2002), found that among outpatients with binge eating disorder, more than 80% reported some form of childhood maltreatment (emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse, emotional and/or physical neglect).
Contemporary psychology looks at some eating disorders, like Binge Eating Disorder (BED), through the lens of addiction. Much the same way someone becomes hooked to illicit drugs, a person who binge eats will want more of the feeling they get when they emotionally eat or binge eat (a “high” that comes from the brain providing an increase of dopamine). This is referred to as a “process addiction”, and is characterized by compulsivity in eating. Over time, such behaviors can become a health threat (Gibson-Judkins, 2019).
The development of eating disorders acts as a tool for some individuals who believe they have lost control, and as a diversion from facing the emotional trauma in a real way. Waller, Corstorphine, and Mountford (2007) wrote an article that addressed the clinical links between emotional abuse and eating disorders. They highlighted that problems in development of experiencing, expressing, and describing emotional responses were associated with emotional abuse. Furthermore, they noted that poor distress tolerance and emotional inhibition were associated, similarly.
Eating disorders can leave you feeling scared and without hope, and navigating them is not simple. Emotional abuse can also make one feel very lonely, and it is real and impactful. Tackling both of these may take more than having a long conversation with a friend. There are resources in books, journal articles, and even videos online. For example, Emma McAdam created a video with Sarah Dosanjh, best selling author of “I Can’t Stop Eating” that talks about her eating disorder, and there are many others like it.
Additional resources exist with qualified clinicians that can help navigate the powerful and complex experiences that are abuse and eating disorders. If you are navigating this space, and would like help, contact Roubicek and Thacker for an appointment with one of their qualified clinicians.
Roubicek & Thacker Counseling is Fresno’s premier provider of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer in-person and online remote therapy sessions. Contact us today to change the way you feel.