Eating Disorders Reflect Inner Imbalance

Experts emphasize that eating disorders are not limited to dietary behavior alone, but are closely related to an individual's search for inner balance, need for control, and identity development. Sera Elbaşoğlu, Clinical Psychologist at Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital, made important assessments regarding the psychological roots of eating disorders.

Perfectionism and need for control are determining factors
Elbaşoğlu, noting that perfectionism and the need for control play an important role in the development of eating disorders, stated that the body becomes one of the rare areas that can be controlled, particularly among individuals raised in oppressive family structures.

Elbaşoğlu said, "The individual attempts to both regain a sense of control and reduce internal tension through eating behavior."

Eating behavior can become a psychological tool
Elbaşoğlu, noting that this is particularly evident in the example of Anorexia Nervosa, stated that perfectionist individuals engage in a pursuit of flawlessness through their body and eating behavior.

During this process, eating behavior transforms from merely a physical need into a psychological tool for control.

Attention to the "displacement" mechanism
Elbaşoğlu, identifying another mechanism frequently seen in eating disorders as "displacement," stated that the individual redirects a feeling from one area to another.

Elbaşoğlu noted that individuals who lose a sense of control may attempt to compensate for this need by controlling their bodies, and stated that this becomes even more pronounced particularly during adolescence.

Social media affects body perception
Elbaşoğlu, drawing attention to the impact of social media on body perception, stated that individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder may perceive their bodies in distorted and unrealistic ways.

Pointing out that filters and idealized body images particularly increase body dissatisfaction among young people, Elbaşoğlu noted that this can negatively affect self-perception.

Adolescents are at greater risk
Elbaşoğlu, emphasizing that the impact of social media is stronger during adolescence when identity development is intense, stated that young people may feel inadequate when compared to the perception of a "perfect body."

Dieting is not the same as eating disorder
Elbaşoğlu, noting that dieting and eating disorders are frequently confused, stated that the difference between the two conditions becomes apparent in psychological processes.

"In eating disorders, the individual's mind constantly focuses on food and body. This is not merely related to nutrition; it is connected to deeper needs such as control, worth, adequacy, and identity," he said.

"Correct identification of the problem is critical"
Elbaşoğlu, noting that evaluating eating disorders merely as a "problem with food" is insufficient, used the following statements:

"These disorders are a reflection of the individual's attempt to create balance in their inner world, their need for control, and their emotional conflicts."