ABSTRACT

The first of its kind, this edited volume provides in-depth, culturally sensitive material intended for addressing the unique concerns of Black women with eating disorders in addition to comprehensive discussions and treatment guidelines for this population.

The contributing authors—all of whom are Black professionals providing direct care to Black women—offer a range of perspectives to help readers understand the whole experience of their Black female clients. This includes not only discussion of their clients’ physical health but also of their emotional lives and the ways in which the stresses of racism, discrimination, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences can contribute to disordered eating. Through a wealth of diverse voices and stories, chapters boldly tackle issues such as stereotypes and acculturative stress.

Clinicians of any race will gain new tools for assessing, diagnosing, and treating disordered eating in Black women and will be empowered to provide better care for their clients.

chapter |10 pages

Introduction

part I|64 pages

Perspectives and Politics

chapter 3|12 pages

A Gap in the Research

Race-Specific Issues and Difficult Questions

chapter 4|6 pages

Food for Thought, Mind, and Body

Exploring Embodiment Techniques for Black Queer Women

chapter 6|8 pages

The Skin I’m In

Stereotypes and Body Image Development in Women of Color

part III|19 pages

Nutrition and Weight Concerns

chapter 11|10 pages

Cultural Competence

Considerations in the Treatment of African American Women With Eating Disorders

chapter 12|7 pages

Only a Dog Wants a Bone! The Other End of the Eating Spectrum

Overweight and Obesity

part IV|33 pages

Treatment Approaches and Philosophies

chapter 14|8 pages

The Weight of Shame

Black Women and Binge Eating Disorder

chapter 15|7 pages

Food as a Drug

Mental Problem, Spiritual Solution

part V|30 pages

Addressing Special Populations

chapter 17|3 pages

Bulimia

An Attempt to Solve Insoluble Problems

chapter 18|8 pages

Disordered Eating Habits of a Black, Deaf Adolescent Female

A Case Study Applying a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach to School Psychological Services