Question

Anorexia nervosa may be caused by

Select one:
a. an excessive fear of putting on weight.
b. an attempt to assert control over parents.
c. an unconscious effort to avoid growing up.
d. all of the above.

Answer 1

Anorexia nervosa can be caused by a fear of gaining weight, an attempt to assert control, and an unconscious effort to stop the aging process, with the correct answer being all the above causes. This eating disorder involves a distorted body image, leading to extreme diet and exercise regimens with serious health consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anorexia nervosa may be caused by a. an excessive fear of putting on weight, which is known to be a central feature of the condition. However, anorexia can also stem from an attempt to assert control, often in various areas of life including food intake, which can manifest as b. an attempt to assert control over parents. Additionally, it has been suggested that for some, anorexia represents c. an unconscious effort to avoid growing up, as the disorder can result in the delay or halting of normal puberty processes. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is d. all of the above.

Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder with psychological and cultural components. The fear of weight gain and a distorted body image are hallmark signs, often coupled with excessive exercise and severe restrictions on food intake. Its prevalence is higher in females and can lead to severe health consequences such as bone loss, heart and kidney failure, and even death if untreated.