Date of Award

1991

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

Raphael J. Becvar

Second Advisor

Patrick Openlander

Third Advisor

Christie Kropp

Abstract

A review of the literature suggests a relationship between child sexual abuse and the development of eating disorders in female subjects . Additionally, body image dissatisfaction and distortion are well documented among eating disordered individuals and women in general. This study found a relationship between body image dissatisfaction and some eating disordered behaviors . Women who are in out-patient therapy for treatment of child sexual abuse were surveyed. Secretiveness about the sexual abuse at the time of the abuse was compared to both body image dissatisfaction and eating disorder attitudes and behaviors . Secretiveness was significantly related to body image disturbance but was unrelated to the other eating disorder scales.

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