The Relationship Between Eating Disorders and Emotional Inhibition Among Females

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by the restriction of dietary intake, resulting in significantly low body weight. Individuals with AN often experience an intense fear of weight gain and hold a distorted perception of body image. Emotional inhibition, defined as the suppression or restraint of emotional responses, is considered a maladaptive coping strategy frequently observed in patients with AN. Increasing research has examined psychological factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of AN, with emotional inhibition emerging as a significant correlate. This study focuses on the relationship between anorexia nervosa and emotional inhibition in young female adults aged 18 to 25. Relevant literature and empirical research were reviewed to establish a foundation for this work, including an exploration of the causes of eating disorders and evidence-based treatment interventions and therapies.