Abstract

NARVAZ, Martha  and  OLIVEIRA, Letícia L.. Sexual abuse and eating disorders: a review. Interam. j. psychol. [online]. 2009, vol.43, n.1, pp. 22-29. ISSN 0034-9690.

The relationship between sexual abuse and eating disorders has been widely researched. Sexual abuse as a risk factor for the development of eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa is, however, heterogeneous. Studies investigating a possible relationship between sexual abuse and eating disorders have reported highly discrepant results. The aim of this paper is to present a theoretical review about this relationship. Despite controversial results, this paper intends to highlight the need for professionals of several areas, especially psychotherapists, to pay attention to this possible relationship in order to reinforce their interventions.

Keywords : Sexual abuse; Eating disorders; Bulimia nervosa; Anorexia nervosa.

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