Discuss social learning theory as an explanation for anorexia nervosa
Social learning theory explains anorexia nervosa through the processes of modelling and
vicarious reinforcement. Modelling occurs when individuals imitate the behaviour of role
models, such as family members or celebrities. These models are especially influential when
the individual identifies with them. For example, a child observing an older sibling
consistently restricting food intake may come to view this behaviour as normal. Vicarious
reinforcement involves learning through observing the consequences of others actions.
Family members, due to their constant presence, are major sources of reinforcement. Over
time, repeated exposure to such instances increases the likelihood of imitation. Media also
plays a powerful role in transmitting cultural ideals of body size and shape. In many
individualist cultures, these ideals have become increasingly thin. Young women may
identify with the glamour and success of female celebrities, motivating behaviours aimed at
weight loss. These actions are reinforced by the fame, respect, and wealth they observe
being associated with these role models. Dittmar (2006) looked at the impact of Barbie dolls
as aspirational role models for body dissatisfaction. In the study, 162 girls aged 5–8 were
exposed to images of either Barbie dolls, Emme dolls (with a more average body shape), or
neutral images (e.g., flowers). Results showed that girls who saw Barbie images had
significantly lower body esteem and higher dissatisfaction compared to the other groups.
The study concluded that Barbie dolls symbolize an idealized thin body shape linked to
glamour and success. This can cause body dissatisfaction in young girls, potentially leading
to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
There is good research support for social learning theory contributing to the development of
eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN). A girl may be more likely to acquire an
eating disorder through influence of her friends as opposed to direct social media access.
Conversation between friends on eating behaviour is likely to influence someone,
particularly as friends are usually trustworthy. Becker (2011) carried out a natural
experiment of the effects of TV on eating disorders in Fiji. The most significant predictor of
eating disorders amongst the sample of adolescent females was ‘social network media
exposure’. This was defined as how many friends had access to TV and was more influential
than the number of hours spent watching TV themselves. Additionally, there is an increase
in AN rates in Japanese omen due to the drive in media representations of female body
shape. There is a greater occurrence of AN in young Japanese women who regularly read
magazines promoting thinness. Therefore, eating disorders are no longer cultural-bound
due to there being much research suggesting the influence of vicarious reinforcement (thin
celebrities being praised) and direct reinforcement (praise from friends) happening all over
the world with regards to body image.
The principles of social learning serve as the foundation for many treatment approaches to
anorexia nervosa (AN). Several behavioural treatments for adults, such as cognitive-
behavioural therapy, exposure and response prevention, and supportive psychotherapy, aim
to reduce symptoms and facilitate modest weight gain. Effective treatment programs
incorporate a variety of techniques, including the use of both direct and vicarious
reinforcement and the modelling of adaptive eating behaviours. For example, patients may
observe others being rewarded for engaging in adaptive eating habits. However, this does
not necessarily enhance the validity of the theory. If a treatment proves effective, its success
Social learning theory explains anorexia nervosa through the processes of modelling and
vicarious reinforcement. Modelling occurs when individuals imitate the behaviour of role
models, such as family members or celebrities. These models are especially influential when
the individual identifies with them. For example, a child observing an older sibling
consistently restricting food intake may come to view this behaviour as normal. Vicarious
reinforcement involves learning through observing the consequences of others actions.
Family members, due to their constant presence, are major sources of reinforcement. Over
time, repeated exposure to such instances increases the likelihood of imitation. Media also
plays a powerful role in transmitting cultural ideals of body size and shape. In many
individualist cultures, these ideals have become increasingly thin. Young women may
identify with the glamour and success of female celebrities, motivating behaviours aimed at
weight loss. These actions are reinforced by the fame, respect, and wealth they observe
being associated with these role models. Dittmar (2006) looked at the impact of Barbie dolls
as aspirational role models for body dissatisfaction. In the study, 162 girls aged 5–8 were
exposed to images of either Barbie dolls, Emme dolls (with a more average body shape), or
neutral images (e.g., flowers). Results showed that girls who saw Barbie images had
significantly lower body esteem and higher dissatisfaction compared to the other groups.
The study concluded that Barbie dolls symbolize an idealized thin body shape linked to
glamour and success. This can cause body dissatisfaction in young girls, potentially leading
to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
There is good research support for social learning theory contributing to the development of
eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN). A girl may be more likely to acquire an
eating disorder through influence of her friends as opposed to direct social media access.
Conversation between friends on eating behaviour is likely to influence someone,
particularly as friends are usually trustworthy. Becker (2011) carried out a natural
experiment of the effects of TV on eating disorders in Fiji. The most significant predictor of
eating disorders amongst the sample of adolescent females was ‘social network media
exposure’. This was defined as how many friends had access to TV and was more influential
than the number of hours spent watching TV themselves. Additionally, there is an increase
in AN rates in Japanese omen due to the drive in media representations of female body
shape. There is a greater occurrence of AN in young Japanese women who regularly read
magazines promoting thinness. Therefore, eating disorders are no longer cultural-bound
due to there being much research suggesting the influence of vicarious reinforcement (thin
celebrities being praised) and direct reinforcement (praise from friends) happening all over
the world with regards to body image.
The principles of social learning serve as the foundation for many treatment approaches to
anorexia nervosa (AN). Several behavioural treatments for adults, such as cognitive-
behavioural therapy, exposure and response prevention, and supportive psychotherapy, aim
to reduce symptoms and facilitate modest weight gain. Effective treatment programs
incorporate a variety of techniques, including the use of both direct and vicarious
reinforcement and the modelling of adaptive eating behaviours. For example, patients may
observe others being rewarded for engaging in adaptive eating habits. However, this does
not necessarily enhance the validity of the theory. If a treatment proves effective, its success
