EATING DISORDERS: NATURE AND NURTURE So eating disorders are not caused 100% by genes or 100% by society/culture. The working hypothesis is that genes and environment co-act to influence risk—like a perfect storm. Just the right genetic predisposition put in just the right environment/society at the right point in development can set the stage for an eating disorder. As Dr. Bulik has said on many occasions, Genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger. In order to fully determine the factors that lead to the development of eating disorders the nature versus nurture debate needs to change focus to nature AND nurture. Pigeonholing eating disorders as purely genetic and purely societal has negative stigma costs for those suffering. We need to work toward an appreciation of the complex ways in which genes and environment co-act to influence risk.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 07:02:34 +0000
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