La construcción cultural del cuerpo: El paradigma de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria

Abstract

Background: Ideal body image building is based on values, beliefs and aesthetic patterns characteristic of our western society where eating disorders (ED) emerge. Objective: To describe factors related to cultural body building in ED. Method: An exhaustive review of the evidence within specialized national and international literature was made. Results: Western contemporary beauty model promotes a thin body image, synonym of success, attractiveness and intelligence, mainly seen in the upper social class, emphasized by the media, modeling, publicity and the narcissistic cult of the body, predisposing to ED. Individual factors also contributes to the cultural body building like gender differences (95% of ED cases are females), the predominant identifi cation with the feminine gender role stereotype, the higher prevalence in white ethnic groups, the relevant infl uence of the family and friends concerning weight, silhouette and food, criticism and bullying from the signifi cant others, the social reinforcement with respect to biological and/or emotional changes in adolescence, perfectionism traits and affi liation to “pro-ana” and “pro-mia” web sites. Conclusions: The internalization of sociocultural pressures generates negative and distorted consequences in feminine bodies, especially in adolescents and young adult females in risk to develop ED. Primary prevention and psychoeducative strategies are necessary to manage the media messages focused on body perfection in a healthier style