Eating disorders in Lebanon
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- Title
- Eating disorders in Lebanon
- Creator
- Lana Seguias
- Date
- 2015
- Abstract
- Eating disorders (EDs), such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are serious mental illnesses associated with disturbed eating behaviours. Previous studies that have explored the incidence and causes of EDs have predominantly focused on Western countries. The current study explored EDs in Lebanon. It investigated whether variables shown in Western studies to be predictive of ED symptoms also predicted EDs in Lebanon. It also included a qualitative aspect where Lebanon-based mental health professionals were interviewed to explore their understanding and experience of EDs. It was hypothesised that negative eating behaviours, negative attitudes towards body shape and negative attitudes towards EDs will exist amongst participants. Secondly, it was predicted that body mass index (BMI), attitudes towards body shape and attitudes towards EDs would be significant predictors of ED symptoms. Eighty-three female participants aged 17-30 participated in the first part of the study and 3 dieticians and 1 psychologist participated in the qualitative arm. Method: Mixed methodologies were used. Participants completed three questionnaires: EAT-26, BSQ-16a, and AMIQ. Total scores for each participant were calculated and further analysed via regression analysis. The responses of mental health professionals were analysed via thematic analysis. Findings fully supported the first hypothesis. Findings also partially supported the second hypothesis, revealing that only BMI and attitudes towards body shape were significant predictors of ED symptoms. As for the qualitative aspect, several themes were identified including the role of stigma as a barrier to treatment. Young female adults in Lebanon (almost 30 % of participants) are at risk of developing EDs. Like in Western countries, stigma was evident in perception of EDs within Lebanese society. Schools and universities should educate students about EDs and provide them with the necessary support. Findings may have been limited by sample size, social desirability bias, and researcher bias.
- Subject
- Eating disorders
- Women
- Lebanon
- Extent
- 105 pages
- Format
- Publisher
- Regent's University London
- degree
- MSc Psychology
- Language
- English
- Date Issued
- 2015
- Type
- Thesis & Dissertation
- Rights Holder
- Lana Seguias and Regent's University London
- Item sets
- Theses or Dissertation