Title

The Application Of Self-Determination Theory To Eating Disorders

Keywords

anorexia; bulimia; creativity in counseling; eating disorders; motivation; self-determination theory; social work

Abstract

In this article, the role of self-determination theory (SDT) is applied to eating disorders. SDT posits that individuals revolve around three specific innate psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. For an individual to function at an optimal level of growth and integration to establish social development and personal well-being, all three needs must be met. The conclusion of this analysis is that general self-determination may create a buffer for women against the sociocultural pressures to maintain a thin "ideal body." The level of self-determination and the type of motivation play an intricate role in how an individual copes with body dissatisfaction. We also include a section on the implications of this analysis for social work and mental health practitioners. As such, we explain training or intervention techniques that practitioners could use when treating clients with eating disorders. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Publication Date

12-19-2013

Publication Title

Journal of Creativity in Mental Health

Volume

8

Issue

4

Number of Pages

499-517

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2013.850392

Socpus ID

84890407672 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84890407672

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