ABSTRACT
Black1 women are sometimes assumed to be less susceptible to body dissatisfaction based on the notion that African American culture embraces larger or curvier body types than does the dominant culture. While body image is one of the contributing factors for the development of an eating disorder, the intersection of three other factors that also impact eating disorder risk in Caucasians may be more significant: stress, trauma (both individual and historical), and attachment insecurity. African American women are disproportionately affected by stressful and traumatic life experiences that increase their chances of developing an eating disorder, particularly binge eating disorder. Because of these cultural and environmental differences, African American clients who present with eating disorders are the same as other patients who are treated for eating disorders; however, they are also different. Being open to learning about these differences is important in healing current and past trauma and ensuring a more stable recovery from an eating disorder.
