Eating Disorders in Ethnic Minorities: an Update

• Published in: Current psychiatry reports 2018-10, Vol.20 (10), p.90-90, Article 90
• Main Authors: Rodgers, Rachel F., Berry, Rachel, Franko, Debra L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cultural identity; Eating disorders; Eating Disorders (S Wonderlich and JM Lavender; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Minority & ethnic groups; Psychiatry; Section Editors; Topical Collection on Eating Disorders
• ISSN: 1523-3812; 1535-1645
• DOI: 10.1007/s11920-018-0938-3

Purpose of Review Eating disorders are recognized to occur across ethnic and racial groups. The aim of the present review was to examine recent advances in the understanding of the development, presentation, and intervention approaches specific to eating disorders among ethnic and racial minority groups. Recent Findings An increasing number of measures have been found to be useful tools for assessing eating disorder risk and symptoms among ethnic and racial minority populations. In addition, further evidence has emerged supporting the relationship between higher levels of eating disorder symptoms and acculturation stress, as well as investment in appearance ideals. In contrast, the relationship between ethnic identity and eating disorder symptoms is less consistent, although several studies suggest that positive ethnic identity may be protective. Finally, increasing efforts have been made to develop and implement culturally sensitive interventions by tailoring evidence-supported treatments. Summary Our understanding of and capacity to treat eating disorders among ethnic and racial minority groups continues to improve. However, further research is needed, particularly among neglected groups, such a smaller ethnic and racial groups, males, and intersecting minority statuses.