Smith ScholarWorks Theses, Dissertations, and Projects 2014 Conceptualization of anorexia nervosa : a theoretical synthesis of self-psychology and family systems perspectives Molly E. Gray Smith College Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses Part of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Gray, Molly E., "Conceptualization of anorexia nervosa : a theoretical synthesis of self-psychology and family systems perspectives" (2014). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA. https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/797 This Masters Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in Theses, Dissertations, and Projects by an authorized administrator of Smith ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. Molly Gray Conceptualization of Anorexia Nervosa: A Theoretical Synthesis of Self-Psychology and Family Systems Perspectives ABSTRACT Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening psychiatric disorder that has increased in diagnostic prevalence over the last century. Findings suggest that individuals at greatest risk are females between the ages of 15-22, who demonstrate heightened levels of perfectionism and a need for control. This theoretical thesis hopes to provide clinical social workers and other mental health professionals with a deeper understanding of the psychological, familial, and developmental factors contributing to the onset of the disorder in order to increase the effectiveness of future treatment. Self-psychology will be examined to offer a possible developmental and psychological framework for understanding the emotional challenges and distorted thought processes of the anorexic patient. Bowen's adaptation of family systems theory will be used to support the resilience and strength of the patient’s family unit by uncovering and addressing dysfunctional patterns.