ABSTRACT

Adolescents become increasingly concerned with how they look in comparison to cultural and social appearance ideals, and factors such as sexual objectification and a toxic food environment play a role in the eating problems. This chapter covers adolescent weight-related problems and body dissatisfaction. We review diagnostic criteria for eating disorders based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Information is provided about prevalence and clinical course. Etiological models of eating disorder symptomatology integrate individual and environmental factors. The chapter concludes with a discussion of prevention and approaches to treatment for adolescents with poor body image and disordered eating behaviors. The chapter includes a vignette, reflective questions, and supplemental resources to promote critical thinking and multicultural competence.