Anorexia Nervosa: A Transgenerational System Perspective

Abstract

In this paper it is suggested that there is a link between the condition of anorexia nervosa and certain rigid and implicit family beliefs. These rigid and implicit beliefs are transmitted from one generation to the next and have a highly constraining effect on all family members. More specifically, these beliefs include role prescriptions that are applied to certain daughters. These daughters are vulnerable to the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. The goal of treatment is to challenge successfully the constraining influence of these beliefs. As such beliefs appear extraordinarily resistant to direct challenge, this is best achieved by rendering the beliefs and their specific consequences explicit to family members. An intervention procedure based on this approach is described and its application to "anorectic families" is demonstrated. The description is supported by transcripts of a family in treatment.

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