Post on 29-Mar-2015
Anna Grigorian, M.S.David Vest, B.A.
Mood & Food StatisticsMajor life events- from work stress to divorce- can trigger emotions
that lead to overeating. 62% of Americans say work has a significant impact on stress levels. 73% of Americans name money as the number one factor that affects their stress level.
Stress has not only been linked with increased food consumption in certain individuals but has also been reported to shift their food choices from lower fat to higher fat foods
Binge-eating is a pattern of disordered eating during which a person periodically is unable to exercise control over the consumption of food, usually in response to a stressful situation.
Between 2% and 5% of Americans experience binge-eating disorder in a 6-month period
Approximately 35% of people with binge-eating disorder are male.
Food as a source of securityErikson’s 1st Stage
Conflict: Trust vs. MistrustTask: To develop a sense that the world is “safe”
& “good”
Psychological Theme: Dependency on others to meet needsMother (food) is main source of meeting needs = security
Effects on Adulthood: Food represents comfort.
Food as a source of securityFreud’s Oral Stage
Physical Focus: Mouth/sucking (food) = pleasure
Psychological Theme: Dependency on others to meet needs If needs not fulfilled or over-fulfilled person becomes fixated in
this stage
Adulthood Tendencies : Dependency and passive character or complete independence and a demanding character. Preoccupation with oral activities. Predisposed to overeating.
Security and AttachmentAttachment …
is the “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings" (Bowlby, 1969)
serves to keep the infant close to the mother, thus improving the child's chances of survival
Security (via transitional object)A security object can give a child
both emotional and tangible comfort, especially during times of stress
A Kids’ Birthday Party
Freedom from Want (Thanksgiving Dinner)Norman Rockwell1943
Celebration of an Engagement in AlsaceFrederic-Theodore Lix1909
le
John and Jacqueline Kennedy wedding
Campbell’s Soup Can’s (detail)Andy Warhol1962
ResearchCurrent research is aimed at establishing
general links in to how emotional eating effects people and why it develops into pathology for some and not others
Recent research has discovered links between bulimic tendency and emotional eating
Emotional eating is cognitive, behavioral, and affective with emerging research suggesting that it is also cultural
The Cycle
Self-Help Do’sDo learn to recognize true hunger
Keep a log to track your triggers
Do look elsewhere for comfortTry an enjoyable activity- knitting, running, drawing, etc.Try a relaxation exercise when you’re stressed
Do snack healthyDon’t keep high calorie/sugary foods aroundDo eat a balanced diet
Do practice mindfulness
Mindfulness:A Closer Look
Drawn from Buddhist meditative traditionTherapy is generated internally with the clientThoughts are like leaves floating down a river
The client has the ability to look at each thought WITHOUT emotional charge or whether it is rational or irrational
Clients can pick and choose which thought to analyze and do so objectively not subjectively
Clients are encouraged to sit with each thought, analyzing it as much as possible so that the thought is understood and can appear with more or less frequency while understanding that thoughts are constantly moving and nothing more than just a thought
Outside HelpSeek a…M.D.
To rule out any medical problems
NutritionistTo plan a healthy diet with balanced meals
TherapistTo help you process and address personal root-causes of
overeating