Abstract
Little is known of eating disorder (ED) pathology in Black females. It
has long been perceived that Black females do not struggle with EDs; yet
growing research suggests the opposite in this sub-population. This
study explored ED development in three young Black women and uncovered
adolescent experiential factors that were significant in their ED
journeys. In the form of narrative inquiry, triangulation of interviews,
observations, and abstracts were used to restory their ED accounts and
glean a deeper understanding of their personal journeys. Findings
revealed that preadolescence was a pivotal period when body image became
a prominent focus rooted in social criticism that grew more powerful
than their self-images could bear, adversely affecting their
self-concept as Black girls. Trauma, sociocultural and sociopolitical
variables, and comorbid psychological illnesses were instrumental in
their ED developments and placed unhealthy emphasis on their bodies and
mental states. Conclusions include 1) childhood experiences presented
salient triggers for the development of EDs; 2) cultural distinctions
influenced ED practices; 3) EDs were systems of control; and 4) salient
factors prevented early intervention of EDs. Black women are coming
forward to share experiences of conflict and hope to help further
understand ED pathology in the Black community.