Ethical considerations when treating patients with eating disorders
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Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Dental Association
Abstract
In South Africa, the prevalence of eating disorders remains
largely unknown. However with the unique, complex,
social and political transformation of the country and
increasing urbanization, it is anticipated that there will be
an increased local risk of eating disorders. Psychological,
social, biological, cultural and familial factors play a role in
the development of these ailments. Adolescence is a time
of significant self-awareness, identity development and
critical self-evaluation and has perhaps been most impacted
by socio-cultural changes in contemporary South
African society. It is usually during this developmental
phase that, among females predominantly, body dissatisfaction
and aesthetic concerns are raised and efforts to
address these worries often result in dieting. Western
culture and the seductive emphasis on consumerism appear
to have a powerful impact on the development of eating
disorders. Consequent assimilation of the associated
Western value system, where physical appearance and
self-worth are seemingly synonymous, seems inevitable.
The media plays a pivotal role in promoting and reinforcing
the development of eating disorders as youngsters are
faced with a barrage of media propaganda suggesting
what is the ideal body.
Description
Keywords
Ethics, Dental ethics, Patients, Eating disorders
Citation
Naidoo, S. Ethical considerations when treating patients with eating disorders. South African Dental Journal, 70(3): 124