ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the very real role that trauma can play in the development of an eating disorder. The authors explain the continuum theory of trauma, as well as the “Trauma/trauma” theory. The authors also define systemic trauma, and make the analogy of diet culture as an abuser, which can create feelings of systemic trauma for folks. There is an emphasis on systemic trauma for those who live in larger bodies. The authors highlight how important it is to acknowledge and explore this type of trauma when going through the process of eating disorder recovery at any size. There is also a discussion of other types of trauma. The authors provide a gentle discussion of how sexual trauma specifically can create feelings of being unsafe in one’s body, which can then contribute to the development of eating disorder behaviors to “manage” this feeling. They provide tangible ways to work through one’s trauma symptoms, and ultimately encourage readers to seek more structured professional therapy if they believe that trauma is a main player in their eating disorder.
