Pre-disposing factors

The principal biological pre-disposing factor to consider is a genetic predisposition to eating disorders. A family history of anorexia may suggest that such a pre-disposition is present for restrictive eating; a family history of bulimia, obesity or mood disorders, drug abuse or alcohol problems may suggest that a broader genetic pre-disposition to bulimia and these related disorders is present. Relatively enduring broad personal psychological characteristics that may pre-dispose a youngster to developing an eating disorder include a conflict about individuation, external locus of control and helplessness, and perfectionistic strivings. Relatively personal food-related psychological characteristics that may pre-dispose a youngster to developing an eating disorder include low shape-and weight-related self-esteem, bodily shame, disgust about food-related bodily stimuli, and a personal history of obesity or dietary restraint. Cultural pressures for thinness and dieting along with the easy access to food are important pre-disposing psychosocial factors for eating disorders. Other historical psychosocial pre-disposing factors include high parental expectations and criticism, parental marital discord and a history of early trauma or stressful life events, but particularly bereavement or sexual abuse.