Assignment 2 Motivation Due Tuesday June 2, 2015 Background

Assignment 2 Motivationduetuesday June 2 2015backgroundin Psycholo

Choose one of the following options to explore: Option A: Eating Behavior and Eating Disorders or Option B: Sexual Motivation and Sexual Orientation.

Option A: Most psychologists focus on psycho-social aspects when explaining the origin of disordered eating behavior; however, there are also biological issues which may influence disordered behavior. Explore the biological and psycho-social aspects of disordered eating behavior by completing the following items. Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some biological or genetic factors that may predispose someone to disordered eating behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from biological research of disordered eating behavior. (These may include genes, brain functioning, metabolic, hormonal, etc.) Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some psychological and social/cultural factors that may predispose someone to disordered eating behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from psychological or social research of disordered eating behavior. (These may include personal issues, family issues, society, media, or cultural issues.) Based on your research, explain whether you view disordered eating as primarily biologically based or psycho-socially based. Your response should be approximately three paragraphs in length (one paragraph for each item). Do not simply state your opinion on these issues; justify your response with evidence from scholarly sources, including your text. For help in citing sources, click on Academic Resources under Course Home.

Paper For Above instruction

Disordered eating behaviors, encompassing conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are complex phenomena influenced by an interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. To understand these behaviors comprehensively, it is essential to examine both the biological predispositions and the socio-cultural influences that contribute to their development. Research indicates that biological factors, including genetics and brain functioning, play a significant role. Twin studies, for example, suggest heritability estimates ranging from 50-80% for anorexia and bulimia, emphasizing a genetic predisposition (Kendler et al., 2000). Additionally, neurobiological research highlights dysfunctions in brain regions such as the hypothalamus and limbic system, which regulate hunger, satiety, and emotional responses, potentially predisposing individuals to disordered eating (Kaye et al., 2009). Hormonal imbalances, notably fluctuations in serotonin levels, have also been linked to impulsivity and appetite regulation issues, further contributing to disordered eating behaviors (Steiger et al., 2013). These findings suggest that biological components, including genetic susceptibility and neurochemical imbalances, are integral to understanding the origins of disordered eating.

On the other hand, psychological and social/cultural factors provide substantial explanatory power regarding disordered eating behaviors. Psychological issues, such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and anxiety, are prevalent among individuals with eating disorders, often rooted in early childhood experiences and personality traits (Wonderlich et al., 2004). Socially, media exposure emphasizing thinness and idealized body images exerts relentless pressure, particularly on adolescents and young adults, fostering dissatisfaction with one's body and promoting dieting behaviors (Grabe, Hyde, & Ward, 2008). Family dynamics—including overprotection, criticism, and enmeshment—are also associated with the development of eating disorders, as they shape attitudes toward body image and self-worth (Levine & Smolak, 2002). Cultural values that equate thinness with beauty and success perpetuate societal standards, increasing vulnerability among predisposed individuals. The cumulative evidence underscores the significant influence of psychological predispositions and cultural socialization in the etiology of disordered eating behaviors.

When considering whether disordered eating is primarily biologically based or psycho-socially driven, the substantial body of research indicates a multifactorial model. While biological factors provide a foundational vulnerability—such as genetic predispositions, neurochemical imbalances, and brain structure abnormalities—psychological and social influences often act as triggers or exacerbating elements. The interplay of these factors suggests that disordered eating is best understood as a complex interaction rather than solely a biological or psycho-social issue. For instance, genetic predispositions may set the stage, but environmental pressures such as media exposure and family dynamics often determine whether the behavior manifests and persists. Therefore, an integrative approach acknowledging both biological susceptibilities and social-cultural influences is essential for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Recognizing the nuanced etiology of disordered eating can enable clinicians and researchers to develop more tailored interventions that address underlying vulnerabilities and environmental triggers simultaneously (Munoz et al., 2018).

References

• Kaye, W. H., Filley, C. M., & Tuite, P. J. (2009). Neurobiology of anorexia nervosa. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 22(4), 353-358.
• Kendler, K. S., Flor, x., et al. (2000). Genetic and environmental influences on eating disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 57(3), 157-163.
• Levine, M. P., & Smolak, L. (2002). Body image development. In Bodyscape: An introduction to health psychology (pp. 261-280). Psychology Press.
• Steiger, H., Bruce, K., et al. (2013). Serotonin and eating disorders: A review of neurochemical findings. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 38(3), 179-188.
• Wonderlich, S. A., Mitchell, J. E., et al. (2004). Personality and eating disorders. Journal of Personality, 72(6), 1099-1131.
• Grabe, S., Hyde, J. S., & Ward, L. M. (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 134(3), 460-476.
• Munoz, R. F., et al. (2018). Integrative approaches to understanding disordered eating. Clinical Psychology Review, 62, 21-35.