Girls suffer 'Superwoman' syndrome
Overwhelming pressure to be perfect leads to increased risk of teenage eating disorders
By Roger Dobson and Rachel Shields
Published: 09 September 2007
Young women who strive for perfection, under pressure to excel in everything from school exams to looks and relationships, run an increased risk of suffering emotional problems and eating disorders, according to new research.
Scientists have found that girls as young as 13 are suffering from "Superwoman" syndrome – feelings of an overwhelming pressure to succeed – which can affect their mental and physical health. The results, published in the behavioural science journal Sex Roles, suggest that celebrities touted as an inspiration to young women may exacerbate their worries.
"What fuels disordered eating in some women is the desire to be the ultimate woman. Superwomen want the perfect life. No matter how well they are doing, they never feel quite good enough," explains Dr Janell Lynn Mensinger, who directed the study.
The personality traits associated with anorexia and other eating disorders – perfectionism, obsessiveness and approval-seeking – are also prevalent in high achievers and played out in the pursuit of success.
"The eating disorder is a coping mechanism to deal with the fulfilment of multiple demanding roles," explains Dr Mensinger.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, anorexia is now the third most common chronic illness among adolescent girls, after obesity and asthma. Those between the ages of 13 and 19 are most at risk, with as many as one in every 150 15-year-old girls estimated to suffer from the disease, compared with one in 1,000 15-year-old boys.
Independent. UK
http://news.independent.co.uk/health/article2944413.ece
Overwhelming pressure to be perfect leads to increased risk of teenage eating disorders
By Roger Dobson and Rachel Shields
Published: 09 September 2007
Young women who strive for perfection, under pressure to excel in everything from school exams to looks and relationships, run an increased risk of suffering emotional problems and eating disorders, according to new research.
Scientists have found that girls as young as 13 are suffering from "Superwoman" syndrome – feelings of an overwhelming pressure to succeed – which can affect their mental and physical health. The results, published in the behavioural science journal Sex Roles, suggest that celebrities touted as an inspiration to young women may exacerbate their worries.
"What fuels disordered eating in some women is the desire to be the ultimate woman. Superwomen want the perfect life. No matter how well they are doing, they never feel quite good enough," explains Dr Janell Lynn Mensinger, who directed the study.
The personality traits associated with anorexia and other eating disorders – perfectionism, obsessiveness and approval-seeking – are also prevalent in high achievers and played out in the pursuit of success.
"The eating disorder is a coping mechanism to deal with the fulfilment of multiple demanding roles," explains Dr Mensinger.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, anorexia is now the third most common chronic illness among adolescent girls, after obesity and asthma. Those between the ages of 13 and 19 are most at risk, with as many as one in every 150 15-year-old girls estimated to suffer from the disease, compared with one in 1,000 15-year-old boys.
Independent. UK
http://news.independent.co.uk/health/article2944413.ece
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