Core Principle of Treatment for Eating Disorders : The Necessity of Regulating Models’ Thinness

Abstract

Comorbidity rates of personality disorders among clinical patients with eating disorders are higher than expected. Hilde Bruch continued to insist on “the necessity of addressing these patients’ long-standing and serious personality problems.” Both strict attitudes towards eating disorder behaviors and warm concerns (validation) regarding problems of personality are essential as core principles of treatment for eating disorders. If both are accomplished, patients can achieve remission on an outpatient basis. Many young women become underweight due to the influence of the cultural perception that thinness is attractive. Although malnutrition decreases longevity, these risks have been overlooked. From this perspective, the thinness of models portrayed in the media and social networks should be controlled.