Salud mental deteriorada, supresión expresiva y estrés como predictores de los desórdenes alimenticios

This study analyzes the relationship between deteriorated mental health, expressive suppression, and stress as predictors of eating disorders (EDs), with a strong emphasis on anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). EDs, characterized by severe disruptions in eating patterns and compensatory behaviors such as food restriction, binge eating, and self-induced vomiting, represent a growing concern for both mental and physical health. Previous studies indicate that deteriorated mental health, expressive suppression, and stress may be influential risk factors in the development of these disorders. Using a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design, 116 patients diagnosed with AN and BN from the Citizen Care Program "Ecuadorian Mental Health" were evaluated. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between deteriorated mental health and AN, while expressive suppression showed an unexpected negative association with this disorder. On the other hand, stress did not present a notable association with AN. None of these variables were significant in relation to BN. Additionally, women showed a higher prevalence of EDs, especially AN, although the sex difference was not significant in the case of BN. This study highlights the importance of mental health in the prevention of EDs, emphasizing the need to include variables such as body dissatisfaction, social pressure, and traumatic history in future research. Moreover, longitudinal approaches are recommended to explore causal dynamics in the development of these disorders, within the practical approaches of the same study, it is consolidated as an important theoretical framework for the creation of promotion, prevention, and future intervention plans.