Culture and the development of eating disorders: a tripartite model.

Eating disorders are often conceptualized as"culture-bound problems;"however, the processes by which culture contributes to eating disorders have yet to be elucidated by researchers. This manuscript moves beyond research's current emphasis on evaluating the prevalence rates of eating disorders among ethnic groups, and presents a tripartite model to aid in understanding how cultural processes influence eating disorders. Cultural influences on the development of eating behaviors, body image ideals, and conceptions of health and illness are discussed. It is hoped that the ideas presented will be used to direct efforts to further develop models of the relations between culture and eating disorders and will be considered in the development of programs seeking to aid in the prevention and treatment of maladaptive eating patterns.