"Är jag smal så blir jag lycklig." : En kvalitativ studie om hur behandlingspersonal reflekterar kring sociala påverkansfaktorer till ätstörningar

The background of the study consists of the fact that knowledge about how eating disorders are developed and maintained is extensive. Socio-cultural factors and media influence when developing an eating disorder is of significance. When reviewing literature and previous research, knowledge about practical attainments when treating eating disorders are insufficient. The aim of the study was therefore to examine how staff who treats eating disordered patients think about body ideals, strive for success and media influence in treatment and rehabilitation. The theory consists of Foucault’s theory of power, how beauty ideals are dependent of the cultural context in which we live and what qualities are associated with beauty and body ideals. Also why young people are more vulnerable to ideals and Giddens theory of how our identities are formed and the meaning of the body and effects of lack of tradition. The theory is rounded off by how we manipulate our bodies, how the consumer society affects how we express our identities and shortly about treatment of eating disorders. I found that the majority of staff interviewed was aware of the influence of high demands, pressure and strive for perfection. It corresponds with that the cultural message include the body as a project that the individual has the responsibility of changing and improving. An eating disorder can also be a way of controlling physical change during puberty. The majority were also aware of the influence of dieting, socio-cultural effects, ideals and fixation with one’s own body. In combination with self-criticism and increased responsibility of forming one’s identity during adolescence, the individual is increasingly vulnerable to media influences. The individuals’ body image is affected by her own and others image of her body, and how well she matches the society’s ideals and norms. The response to media effects differ between the ones interviewed. The individual compare her self with images shown in the media, which shows a direct connection between slimness and success, status and happiness. Treatment shows an evident connection to normalisation process as a result of psychiatric exercise of power towards the patient