Rebecca Bobesku
Profesor Devon Adams
ENG 102 Sec. 2513
21st November 2007
To Whom It May Concern:
There were a lot of things I needed to overcome in this course. When I originally signed up for this class I was quite a bit apprehensive. This was because it wasn’t the only time I’ve taken English 102. I took the course before, but I had to drop the class. That class left a bad taste in my mouth as far as English goes, so I wasn’t sure how I would do in this class. When I first began the class I was pretty intimidated by the syllabus. I wasn’t sure if it was possible to accomplish everything in it! To my relief, I was able to understand and execute all the assignments required. Looking back I see that I’ve made a lot of progress in several areas of writing. Some of these areas include: planning, citation, and grammatical structure. Although they are a basic part of any writing assignment, these are some issues that I have always struggled with.
The area in writing that I needed to work on most was citing. I have always been horrible at figuring out how to properly cite my sources. It has always been a confusing process for me, I’ve never been able to properly figure out where to put all the periods and commas. However, after writing annotated bibliographies over and over again, I finally starting to see how it worked. Here is an example of the first annotated bibliography I did: (http://rebeccaann1285.blogspot.com/2007/09/d6-h4.html)
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Fasting Girls: The History of Anorexia Nervosa. New York: First Vintage Books Edition, 2000.
In my final essay I was able to fix this citation so that it looked like this:
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Fasting Girls: The History of Anorexia Nervosa New York: Vintage Books, 2000.
In my first attempt to cite this source I didn’t cite the Publisher correctly. It is little things like this that I have gotten used to paying more attention to. Every time I did a bibliography for class, it seemed to get a little bit easier, and little less frightening. I think that is a normal process that everyone goes through, no matter what they are trying to get better at. The more I practiced, the more I saw improvement.
Another major obstacle that I have tried to overcome this semester is abusing pronouns. In all of my writings, I have always succumbed to writing: “I think….,” or “When you….” This is such a horrible writing habit! I didn’t realize how bad it was till this semester. I discovered this problem early on in the semester with the first writing project; the proposal. I used so much, “I think…,” “I believe…,” and “This why we…” However with my final draft I was able to get this completely under control. I don’t think I put an “I” anywhere in the entire essay. I was really excited about that. Now I try not to abuse pronouns in everything that I write about. (However I don’t know if that is something I should worry about in this essay, since the entire subject is about the progress I’ve made over the semester. I don’t see how could get away without saying “I…” or “I think…”)
Another issue that I have always had a hard time with is mapping out how I am going to achieve a set standard in a writing assignment. In the past I have always tried to have a structured plan, but I was never able to figure out one that worked for me. Time after time I would have an idea of what I wanted to say, but I didn’t have a plan to help me achieve this. I think that all of the preliminary exercises that I had to do before I actually got to writing the draft helped me out a lot. Working through all of those exercises helped me think up a game plan, and put my thoughts into a logical order. I think that this issue is something that I got better at as the semester went on. However, I still know that this is something that I need to work on. It’s really hard for me to sit and think step by step about how I am going to write something. I am the kind of person that just likes to sit down and start writing. While this may work for some writers, it definitely doesn’t work for me. I know now that if I don’t plan out what I am going to write, my paper will usually come out jumbled and unclear. One exercise that really helped involved me considering the types of roles that I would potentially be adopting in my writing project. When I had a clear idea of the role(s) I would be playing in my research paper, I had a clearer idea of the information I needed to attain, and also how to format it. One exercise that helped me out the most was the Toulman exercise. I had to put a lot of thought and time into this exercise, but it was well worth the effort. (http://rebeccaann1285.blogspot.com/2007/10/d9-h4.html)
Along with mapping out a plan of attack, I also had to work on making paragraphs flow from one to the other. Usually I don’t have too much trouble doing that, but at times it can be difficult. Making paragraphs flow better usually comes after I revise a piece. When critically reading an essay, I can usually tell when a paragraph seems to be out of order, or lacks fluidity. However, even critical reading is something that I need to work on. I’ve become a lot better at it this semester, but there is always room for improvement. Critical reading and revising is something that I think I need to spend more time on. It is hard for me to spend time doing these essential things. For me, once I finally summon all my energy to put together a thoughtful essay, I don’t really have any extra energy left to revise it. I know that is not a proper excuse, and that is something that I have really tried to fix this semester.
Looking back, I see that there were a lot of things that I knew I needed to change to in order to succeed at meeting the course objectives. I think that I have accomplished this. I’ve become a lot better at citations, and I am lot more confident in my abilities to write a clear and informative essay. Through this writing experience I have been able to grow more than I thought I would as a writer.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
WP#3 With Suggestions for Revisions
In this paper I would try to argue my point more. One thing I would make more clear is my thesis statement. That way no one would guess as to what side I was on. I was told that the essay wasn't argumentative, but I still think that it is. There are treatments that are contorversial, and I took the role of supporting those treatments. I gave facts and opinions on why I thought the controversial treatment should be allowed. I also gave the opposing views of those who didn't think the treatment should be allowed. I'm disappointed with how this paper was perceived.
Rebecca Bobesku
Professor Adams
7 November 2007
Crossing Boundaries in Regards to the Treatment of Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder that affects women of all ages, and sometimes even men. Between 5 to 10 percent of girls and women, and about 1 million men in the United States have eating disorders. This awful truth is very unsettling, but the treatment of this disorder can be just as disquieting. Adolescent girls seem to be most susceptible to acquire eating disorders. This is due to the fact that they are more in tune to the societal pull to be a certain way. In our contemporary society, young women easily attach themselves to dieting precisely because it is a widely practiced and admired form of cultural expression. (Brumberg 229) Some may take this disorder lightly, but it is an unquestionably serious and life threatening disease. In fact it has the highest mortality rate of any other mental disorder. (Prah) Characteristics of this disorder include: an all-consuming fear to gain weight, and an obsession with restricting food intake (even though they are severely underweight) Anorexia is more than just a problem with food, most of the time, anorexics use the technique of starvation to help them cope with struggles, stresses, and anxieties they may be going through in life. It is a way for them to control something when they feel that their life’s surroundings are out of their control. Since the effects of this disorder are life threatening, it is sometimes necessary to enforce controversial treatments.
There are a variety of treatments offered for anorexics. Some of these treatments are not as widely accepted as others. In fact some treatments are considered to be quite controversial. Some of these types of treatments are compulsory treatment, forced feeding, and cognitive behavior therapy. Sometimes these treatments include making a patient do things that they do not want to do. This often brings about the following questions: If a patient is given treatment contrary to their wishes, but survives the disorder does that still make the treatment ethically wrong? Also, while a life may have been saved in the process, are doctors crossing the boundaries of a patient’s own decision making process? Many people believe that doctors should perform treatment on patients as long as it is in their best interest? Other people disagree, and believe that the patient should be in control of everything. It is without a doubt that people who are severely underweight and consciously starve themselves should be considered unfit to make decisions when it comes to taking care of their body. Anorexia is a psychological disorder, and the mind can be greatly affected when it is malnourished and paranoid. While some of these treatments may be more invasive, they are an essential part of saving someone’s life. When considering if these types of treatments are ethical one should think about the following question: Is it ok to watch someone slowly starve themselves to death, or do doctors, family, and friends have an obligation to intervene whether or not the anorexic wants help? When someone is not able to physically take care of themselves and stay healthy, that is when doctors should have the right to perform compulsory and other types of controversial treatments.
It has been said that, “Every treatment will be confronted with the dilemma of enhancing personal well-being and respecting the person as a self-determining individual.” (Vandereycken 179) One such treatment is compulsory treatment. Under normal circumstances, when a patient is being admitted, they usually sign a conformed consent, stating that the regimen in which they will be receiving is what they want. It is a different case when compulsory treatment is given. Compulsory treatment is defined as any type of treatment given contrary to the patient’s wishes. When treating anorexia, there are numerous times when the doctor has to make a decision of whether or not to perform compulsory treatment. In general it is thought that “treatment contrary to the patient’s wishes is almost always unethical, because it has the effect of offending against the principle of respect for autonomy.”(183) This brings about the question of whether or not compulsory treatment is legal. By rule doctors are supposed to comply with a patient’s wishes, even if it puts the patient’s life at a greater risk. However every rule has its exceptions. Two legitimate reasons that overrule a person’s consent are incompetence in adults and those who are minors. One may wonder if the outcomes are different with anorexics that have been treated solely by their own will and ones that have been treated compulsorily. Research that has been done on this subject shows that there really isn’t any difference in the outcome of the patient. The only difference is the treatment that the patient received.
Another controversial treatment that is used frequently among anorexics is forced feeding. The thought alone seems cruel, invasive, and an infringement upon everyone’s civil liberties and rights to choose what is done to their body. However upon taking a closer look, one may be surprised by the need for this treatment. Statistics show that twenty percent of all anorexic sufferers will die. That is a significant number! However if forced feeding is one way of making that number decrease, should that still be considered a bad thing? Here is an analogy to consider: Do people consider it forced feeding when a mother nurses her baby? The baby does not know better, (and cannot control it) but the mother gives the baby food and he/she learns from there. This scenario has a lot in common with anorexics. Once a person has lost an immense amount of weight and is consciously starving themselves they have lost their ability to make proper decisions about their health. Just like the baby is fed my it’s mother because she knows what is best for the child, the same goes for anorexics. Except the feeding is now taking place by nurses and doctors. When an anorexic has lost the ability to make competent decisions as far as eating is involved that is when intervention is needed; even if it is not wanted by the patient. Most procedures done without the consent of a patient is considered assault. However that has not been the case with forced feeding. In England, Denmark, and Wales patients with anorexia can be admitted and artificially fed; even if there is an absence of a signed consent form. However this is only allowed under the provisions of section 63 of the Mental Health Act. (Vandereycken 192) Most doctors seek consent forms for every case, but that is not always possible. As long as a doctor follows the principles of the existing declarations and acts with good faith and reasonable care, he will be protected from civil proceedings. (Vandereycken 192) This statement should make people who do not believe in controversial treatments to think. As long as a doctor is doing the procedure ultimately for the benefit and health of the patient, it should be allowed.
Cognitive-behavior therapy is another controversial treatment for anorexia. This type of therapy for anorexia began in the 1970’s. This therapy includes “standard elements of behavioral treatment with a focus on identifying and altering dysfunctional thought patterns, attitudes and beliefs, which may trigger and perpetuate binge behavior or restrictive eating. Monitoring your intake of food is an important component, along with identifying triggers and developing alternative reactions to them.” (Haggerty) While this therapy has been widely investigated and is now empirically supported for bulimia nervosa it is not the case for anorexia. Cognitive-behavior therapy can be long and methodical. Treatment begins with each anorexic patient being assigned to a primary therapist. In the first session with the therapist, there will be four types of assessments and evaluations that the anorexic will have to go through. Theses assessments are “psychological, psychiatric, dietary, and body composition.” The psychological assessment is performed through using the “Interview for Diagnosis of Eating Disorders.”(Miller 65) The next assessment that the anorexic has to go through is psychiatric. This assessment helps the therapist come closer towards a diagnosis. Psychiatric treatment looks at the anorexics family history of psychiatric problems. Next on the agenda for cognitive-behavior therapy is the dietary assessment. This assessment must be taken with a registered dietician. The dietician has to have extensive experience with eating disorders. The last assessment is all about the anorexics body composition. In the assessment the dietician measures the patient’s skins folds. Measuring someone’s skin folds is known today as a BMI. (Body Mass Index) After the first session and all the assessments have been completed by the patient, evaluations and laboratory studies are ordered. If there is any uncertainty about the recommendations of the therapist, the patient and her family will often be asked back for one or more follow up sessions. (Miller 65) With these evaluations, the therapist can better comprehend the severity of the symptoms and the eating disorder. From the results of these tests, therapists can usually detect if the patient has a personality disorder. If the therapist thinks that a personality disorder is a possibility, he can suggest further tests for the patient. Once the patient has reached this point they are usually interviewed by the therapist for post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive personality disorder. If a patient has one of more of these disorders it can be considered a major cause for their development of anorexia. Cognitive-behavior therapy can be arduous, but it is well worth the effort. While some of these evaluations can seem invasive to one’s own personal space and privacy, they are entirely necessary towards overcoming the disorder.
The treatment of anorexia has come a long way since the beginning in the early 1900’s. In the 1930’s one doctor gave guidelines for the treatment of anorexia. He suggested that: “(1) every patient could be persuaded to eat normally, (2) the condition of being hysterical will not last forever (and no patient should remain uncured), (3) the doctor should sit down with the patient and fight for every mouthful of food which could take an hour or two per meal, (4) the doctor should never lose his temper, and (5) one must cure the anorexia before one starts on the psychological problems.”(Miller 248) This doctor also believed that everyone would be cured and would return to eating normally. What is most outrageous about his method is that he thought the psychological treatment should not start until after a patient has overcome anorexia. That seems almost impossible, since psychological related issues are the main cause of the disorder!
Thankfully understanding of the disorder has come so much further than what it used to be. However there is still a lot left unknown about the disorder. Many treatments are controversial, and many times unsuccessful. Even though the success rate is lower than what would be ideal, if an anorexic isn’t treated it could lead to their death. There are hundreds of anorexics dying of starvation and malnutrition each year. Until the severity of this disorder ends, or scientists find better and less controversial ways to treat it, there will always be a need for these types of treatments.
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Fasting Girls. New York: Vintage Books, 2000.
Haggerty, Jim. Treatment for Anorexia. 17 Feb. 2006.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/treatment-for anorexia/
Treating Eating Disorders: Ethical, Legal and Personal Issues. Ed. Walter Vandereycken, Pierre J.V.
Beaumont. New York: New York UP, 1998.
Prah, Pamela M. "Eating Disorders." CQ Researcher 16.6 (2006): 121-144. CQ Researcher
Online. CQ Press..
Comparative Treatments for Eating Disorders. Ed. Katherine J. Miller, J. Scott Mizes. New York: Springer, 2000.
Rebecca Bobesku
Professor Adams
7 November 2007
Crossing Boundaries in Regards to the Treatment of Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder that affects women of all ages, and sometimes even men. Between 5 to 10 percent of girls and women, and about 1 million men in the United States have eating disorders. This awful truth is very unsettling, but the treatment of this disorder can be just as disquieting. Adolescent girls seem to be most susceptible to acquire eating disorders. This is due to the fact that they are more in tune to the societal pull to be a certain way. In our contemporary society, young women easily attach themselves to dieting precisely because it is a widely practiced and admired form of cultural expression. (Brumberg 229) Some may take this disorder lightly, but it is an unquestionably serious and life threatening disease. In fact it has the highest mortality rate of any other mental disorder. (Prah) Characteristics of this disorder include: an all-consuming fear to gain weight, and an obsession with restricting food intake (even though they are severely underweight) Anorexia is more than just a problem with food, most of the time, anorexics use the technique of starvation to help them cope with struggles, stresses, and anxieties they may be going through in life. It is a way for them to control something when they feel that their life’s surroundings are out of their control. Since the effects of this disorder are life threatening, it is sometimes necessary to enforce controversial treatments.
There are a variety of treatments offered for anorexics. Some of these treatments are not as widely accepted as others. In fact some treatments are considered to be quite controversial. Some of these types of treatments are compulsory treatment, forced feeding, and cognitive behavior therapy. Sometimes these treatments include making a patient do things that they do not want to do. This often brings about the following questions: If a patient is given treatment contrary to their wishes, but survives the disorder does that still make the treatment ethically wrong? Also, while a life may have been saved in the process, are doctors crossing the boundaries of a patient’s own decision making process? Many people believe that doctors should perform treatment on patients as long as it is in their best interest? Other people disagree, and believe that the patient should be in control of everything. It is without a doubt that people who are severely underweight and consciously starve themselves should be considered unfit to make decisions when it comes to taking care of their body. Anorexia is a psychological disorder, and the mind can be greatly affected when it is malnourished and paranoid. While some of these treatments may be more invasive, they are an essential part of saving someone’s life. When considering if these types of treatments are ethical one should think about the following question: Is it ok to watch someone slowly starve themselves to death, or do doctors, family, and friends have an obligation to intervene whether or not the anorexic wants help? When someone is not able to physically take care of themselves and stay healthy, that is when doctors should have the right to perform compulsory and other types of controversial treatments.
It has been said that, “Every treatment will be confronted with the dilemma of enhancing personal well-being and respecting the person as a self-determining individual.” (Vandereycken 179) One such treatment is compulsory treatment. Under normal circumstances, when a patient is being admitted, they usually sign a conformed consent, stating that the regimen in which they will be receiving is what they want. It is a different case when compulsory treatment is given. Compulsory treatment is defined as any type of treatment given contrary to the patient’s wishes. When treating anorexia, there are numerous times when the doctor has to make a decision of whether or not to perform compulsory treatment. In general it is thought that “treatment contrary to the patient’s wishes is almost always unethical, because it has the effect of offending against the principle of respect for autonomy.”(183) This brings about the question of whether or not compulsory treatment is legal. By rule doctors are supposed to comply with a patient’s wishes, even if it puts the patient’s life at a greater risk. However every rule has its exceptions. Two legitimate reasons that overrule a person’s consent are incompetence in adults and those who are minors. One may wonder if the outcomes are different with anorexics that have been treated solely by their own will and ones that have been treated compulsorily. Research that has been done on this subject shows that there really isn’t any difference in the outcome of the patient. The only difference is the treatment that the patient received.
Another controversial treatment that is used frequently among anorexics is forced feeding. The thought alone seems cruel, invasive, and an infringement upon everyone’s civil liberties and rights to choose what is done to their body. However upon taking a closer look, one may be surprised by the need for this treatment. Statistics show that twenty percent of all anorexic sufferers will die. That is a significant number! However if forced feeding is one way of making that number decrease, should that still be considered a bad thing? Here is an analogy to consider: Do people consider it forced feeding when a mother nurses her baby? The baby does not know better, (and cannot control it) but the mother gives the baby food and he/she learns from there. This scenario has a lot in common with anorexics. Once a person has lost an immense amount of weight and is consciously starving themselves they have lost their ability to make proper decisions about their health. Just like the baby is fed my it’s mother because she knows what is best for the child, the same goes for anorexics. Except the feeding is now taking place by nurses and doctors. When an anorexic has lost the ability to make competent decisions as far as eating is involved that is when intervention is needed; even if it is not wanted by the patient. Most procedures done without the consent of a patient is considered assault. However that has not been the case with forced feeding. In England, Denmark, and Wales patients with anorexia can be admitted and artificially fed; even if there is an absence of a signed consent form. However this is only allowed under the provisions of section 63 of the Mental Health Act. (Vandereycken 192) Most doctors seek consent forms for every case, but that is not always possible. As long as a doctor follows the principles of the existing declarations and acts with good faith and reasonable care, he will be protected from civil proceedings. (Vandereycken 192) This statement should make people who do not believe in controversial treatments to think. As long as a doctor is doing the procedure ultimately for the benefit and health of the patient, it should be allowed.
Cognitive-behavior therapy is another controversial treatment for anorexia. This type of therapy for anorexia began in the 1970’s. This therapy includes “standard elements of behavioral treatment with a focus on identifying and altering dysfunctional thought patterns, attitudes and beliefs, which may trigger and perpetuate binge behavior or restrictive eating. Monitoring your intake of food is an important component, along with identifying triggers and developing alternative reactions to them.” (Haggerty) While this therapy has been widely investigated and is now empirically supported for bulimia nervosa it is not the case for anorexia. Cognitive-behavior therapy can be long and methodical. Treatment begins with each anorexic patient being assigned to a primary therapist. In the first session with the therapist, there will be four types of assessments and evaluations that the anorexic will have to go through. Theses assessments are “psychological, psychiatric, dietary, and body composition.” The psychological assessment is performed through using the “Interview for Diagnosis of Eating Disorders.”(Miller 65) The next assessment that the anorexic has to go through is psychiatric. This assessment helps the therapist come closer towards a diagnosis. Psychiatric treatment looks at the anorexics family history of psychiatric problems. Next on the agenda for cognitive-behavior therapy is the dietary assessment. This assessment must be taken with a registered dietician. The dietician has to have extensive experience with eating disorders. The last assessment is all about the anorexics body composition. In the assessment the dietician measures the patient’s skins folds. Measuring someone’s skin folds is known today as a BMI. (Body Mass Index) After the first session and all the assessments have been completed by the patient, evaluations and laboratory studies are ordered. If there is any uncertainty about the recommendations of the therapist, the patient and her family will often be asked back for one or more follow up sessions. (Miller 65) With these evaluations, the therapist can better comprehend the severity of the symptoms and the eating disorder. From the results of these tests, therapists can usually detect if the patient has a personality disorder. If the therapist thinks that a personality disorder is a possibility, he can suggest further tests for the patient. Once the patient has reached this point they are usually interviewed by the therapist for post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive personality disorder. If a patient has one of more of these disorders it can be considered a major cause for their development of anorexia. Cognitive-behavior therapy can be arduous, but it is well worth the effort. While some of these evaluations can seem invasive to one’s own personal space and privacy, they are entirely necessary towards overcoming the disorder.
The treatment of anorexia has come a long way since the beginning in the early 1900’s. In the 1930’s one doctor gave guidelines for the treatment of anorexia. He suggested that: “(1) every patient could be persuaded to eat normally, (2) the condition of being hysterical will not last forever (and no patient should remain uncured), (3) the doctor should sit down with the patient and fight for every mouthful of food which could take an hour or two per meal, (4) the doctor should never lose his temper, and (5) one must cure the anorexia before one starts on the psychological problems.”(Miller 248) This doctor also believed that everyone would be cured and would return to eating normally. What is most outrageous about his method is that he thought the psychological treatment should not start until after a patient has overcome anorexia. That seems almost impossible, since psychological related issues are the main cause of the disorder!
Thankfully understanding of the disorder has come so much further than what it used to be. However there is still a lot left unknown about the disorder. Many treatments are controversial, and many times unsuccessful. Even though the success rate is lower than what would be ideal, if an anorexic isn’t treated it could lead to their death. There are hundreds of anorexics dying of starvation and malnutrition each year. Until the severity of this disorder ends, or scientists find better and less controversial ways to treat it, there will always be a need for these types of treatments.
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Fasting Girls. New York: Vintage Books, 2000.
Haggerty, Jim. Treatment for Anorexia. 17 Feb. 2006.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/treatment-for anorexia/
Treating Eating Disorders: Ethical, Legal and Personal Issues. Ed. Walter Vandereycken, Pierre J.V.
Beaumont. New York: New York UP, 1998.
Prah, Pamela M. "Eating Disorders." CQ Researcher 16.6 (2006): 121-144. CQ Researcher
Online. CQ Press.
Comparative Treatments for Eating Disorders. Ed. Katherine J. Miller, J. Scott Mizes. New York: Springer, 2000.
WP#2 With Suggestions for Revisions
I did a little better in this paper, however I missed one very important thing. The opening paragraph stating what my topic was about! I don't know how I forgot this. I was under the assumption that WP#2 only had to include annotated bibliographies and nothing else. So that is the major thing I would change. I think that I would also go over all of my sources again just to make sure that I cited them properly. I had several issues with my citations.
I did a little better in this paper, however I missed one very important thing. The opening paragraph stating what my topic was about! I don't know how I forgot this. I was under the assumption that WP#2 only had to include annotated bibliographies and nothing else. So that is the major thing I would change. I think that I would also go over all of my sources again just to make sure that I cited them properly. I had several issues with my citations. Also I didn’t use the MLA format properly. I don’t know what I was thinking when I messed up this header:
Rebecca Bobesku
Works Cited
Thomas, Natalie. “A TV Stars Anorexia Battle." US Weekly Jan. 2006: 76
The article discusses Scarlett Pomer’s struggle with an eating disorder. She was the actress who played the role of Reba’s daughter in the TV show “Reba.” This article was beneficial, and verifies that there are extreme pressures to be thin. This is especially true when one has a career in the entertainment industry. This was an article I found by using the NAU Cline Library database. NAU Cline Library is known for having a vast amount of information from credible sources. Natalie Thomas has written numerous amounts of articles for US Weekly Magazine. She is credited in her field of journalism.
Soban, Catherine. “What about the boys?: addressing issues of masculinity within male anorexia
nervosa in a feminist therapeutic environment. (Disease/Disorder overview).” International
Journal of Men's Health Fall 2006: 251
This article talks about rising numbers of men developing anorexia. It also tries to seek different treatment routes for anorexic men. The articles verifies that not only women struggle with this illness. Men are also susceptible to the disease by biological reasons. The number of cases found among men is rising and psychologists are struggling to find a treatment that will be effective for men afflicted with the disease. Right now, there is not a treatment that focuses on anorexic men. Psychologists are now being forced to look at anorexia as a cultural issue for men as well. A societal projection of what a man is supposed to be like may be one of the causes. This was an article I found by using the NAU Cline Library database. http://libproxy.nau.edu:2061/library/ (This article can be viewed in full format online)
Berry, Kevin. “Sick to Death of the Pressure to Be Thin.” Times Educational Supplement 24
May 1996:4
In this article Kevin Berry shares his thoughts and opinions on children with anorexia. He also shares his opinion of the potential causes of anorexia. He addresses the signs and treatment of the disease. Kevin Berry hones in on the fact that parents are an essential part of a child’s recovery from the disease. After reading this article I have realized that genetics are a major factor in causing anorexia in children. In most cases parents who have children suffering from anorexia usually dealt with the disease themselves at one point in time or another. This fact will be extremely helpful in my research essay. The article is valid because I found it through using the NAU Cline Library database. NAU Cline Library is known for having a very large database provided by credible sources. I tried to find more information about this journalist, but I have come up empty handed.
Brody, Jane E. “Exposing the Perils of Eating Disorders.” New York Times 12 Dec. 2000: pF8
This article is from the New York Times. I found it through the NAU Cline library database. The article talks about causes of anorexia. Jane E. Brody is a journalist for the New York Times. The article gives information on the consequences one deals with when being anorexia. This article also offers information from the experiences of several celebrities who suffered from the disease. This will be beneficial is proving that there is a strong amount of pressure to be thin. The entertainment industry has a lot of ideals that need to be met and if they aren’t then chances are you won’t be successful. The article is from the New York Times. This is one of the most credited Daily Newspapers around. It is known throughout the world, so it is a source that I trust.
Prah, Pamela M. "Eating Disorders." CQ Researcher 16.6 (2006): 121-144. CQ Researcher Online. CQ Press. Your library's name, city, state abbreviation. 2 Oct. 2007 http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2006021000.
This article by Pamela Prah introduces the fact that eating disorders (including anorexia) are serious mental disorders. She states that it is proven that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate over any other mental disorder. Prah proves that this disorder is extremely serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. In this article Prah is able to provide a lot of evidence regarding society’s influence on eating disorders. Prah proves that this disorder doesn’t only afflict over-achieving girls. Cases have shown that men, middle-aged women, and people of all different races are affected by this disease. Both rich and poor.
Rayner, Trisha. Eating Disorders Awareness: Anorexia Nervosa.2001. Ohio State University
Fact Sheet. http://ohioline.osu.edu/ed-fact/1002.html
In this article Trisha Rayner gives many warning signs that may cause suspicion if a person has anorexia. She believes that many women believe they can’t be successful in life unless their bodies are like “prepubescent girls.” I don’t completely agree with that, but I do believe there is a strong pressure to be a certain way from society. Trisha Rayner also stresses the point that we need to remember that people come in all shapes and sizes and that many of us will never be skinny or fat. She also talks about creating a healthy relationship between mind and body. I found this website by using the Google search engine.
Lintott, Sheila. “A Consideration of Eating Disorders Beyond Beauty.” NAU Cline Library.
2003. Hypatia. Abstract. 65-86.
http://wf2la2.webfeat.org/cid=clineli&wfn=wf_muse&sess=session%3D216.147.209.75.152711189130453404%3B%20PIA_history%3D122000809%3B%20PIA_user%3D220055742%3B%20PIA_last%3Dpia.cgi%253Faction%253Dnavigate%2526search_id%253D122000809%2526min%253D1%2526show%253D10&addr=10.10.22.80&url=http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/hypatia/v018/18.4lintott.html
In this article Sheila Lintott argues that fact that women are strongly encouraged to enjoy sublime experiences through excessive dieting. Lintott believes that societal influences are major contributors in this kind of mindset. Lintott says that we are conditioned to think that “thin is beautiful.” This is an incredibly true point. I know when I was growing up all the advertisements in the media contributed to a lot of harmful thinking towards my body. Lintott proves that advertisements have a way of portraying people who are thin as “happy” and “successful.” I know that I am not the only one who has been swayed by these advertisements.
Shelley, Rosemary. Anorexics on Anorexia. Philadelphia: Jessica Kinsley, 1999.
The author proves from this book that anorexia is not an illness experienced just by teenage girls. In fact it affects both males and females of all ages. The woman who wrote this book has fought anorexia herself, so she knows just how serious the illness is. She believes that the only thing anorexics have in common is that they are anorexic. Besides that, the factors that have caused them to have the illness are all different. This is an interesting point, because doctors are quick to try and figure out a cause for the disease. I believe that Rosemary shares the perspective she does because she too has been through anorexia. This book would help me with my question because it proves that there just is not one thing that causes anorexia. It gives a balanced approach to numerous amounts of factors that have caused people to suffer from the illness.
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Fasting Girls. New York: Vintage Books, 2000.
Brumberg may not have suffered from anorexia, but she has a lot of knowledge in the field of anorexia. As far back as 1965 she has had experience with anorexics. Anorexia is the focus of her professional research. Brumberg tries to address that reason as to why a disease can become prominent in one time period than another. She believes that to examine and understand the responsiveness of a disease to cultural settings one must look past the doctors, diagnoses, and therapies to the patients themselves. She has a balanced approach to her perspective on anorexia. She is well informed, and has a lot of experience with the disease. This is why I plan on using her as one of my sources in my research paper.
Levenkron, Steven. Anatomy of Anorexia. New York: Norton and Company, 2000.
This isn’t the only book that Levenkron has written on anorexia. He wrote: “Treating and Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa” in 1982. Levenkron has a lot of knowledge on the subject and believe that the obsessive compulsive qualities that cause many disorders is usually caused by the family dysfunctions and insufficient attachment. Levenkron addresses that fact that anorexia has skyrocketed in the past 20 years. He’s goes into several different reasons that cause anorexia. Levenkron gives a balanced approach to trying to unveil the causes of anorexia. He doesn’t just pinpoint one reason and stick to it. I plan on using this source in my research paper.
I did a little better in this paper, however I missed one very important thing. The opening paragraph stating what my topic was about! I don't know how I forgot this. I was under the assumption that WP#2 only had to include annotated bibliographies and nothing else. So that is the major thing I would change. I think that I would also go over all of my sources again just to make sure that I cited them properly. I had several issues with my citations. Also I didn’t use the MLA format properly. I don’t know what I was thinking when I messed up this header:
Rebecca Bobesku
Works Cited
Thomas, Natalie. “A TV Stars Anorexia Battle." US Weekly Jan. 2006: 76
The article discusses Scarlett Pomer’s struggle with an eating disorder. She was the actress who played the role of Reba’s daughter in the TV show “Reba.” This article was beneficial, and verifies that there are extreme pressures to be thin. This is especially true when one has a career in the entertainment industry. This was an article I found by using the NAU Cline Library database. NAU Cline Library is known for having a vast amount of information from credible sources. Natalie Thomas has written numerous amounts of articles for US Weekly Magazine. She is credited in her field of journalism.
Soban, Catherine. “What about the boys?: addressing issues of masculinity within male anorexia
nervosa in a feminist therapeutic environment. (Disease/Disorder overview).” International
Journal of Men's Health Fall 2006: 251
This article talks about rising numbers of men developing anorexia. It also tries to seek different treatment routes for anorexic men. The articles verifies that not only women struggle with this illness. Men are also susceptible to the disease by biological reasons. The number of cases found among men is rising and psychologists are struggling to find a treatment that will be effective for men afflicted with the disease. Right now, there is not a treatment that focuses on anorexic men. Psychologists are now being forced to look at anorexia as a cultural issue for men as well. A societal projection of what a man is supposed to be like may be one of the causes. This was an article I found by using the NAU Cline Library database. http://libproxy.nau.edu:2061/library/ (This article can be viewed in full format online)
Berry, Kevin. “Sick to Death of the Pressure to Be Thin.” Times Educational Supplement 24
May 1996:4
In this article Kevin Berry shares his thoughts and opinions on children with anorexia. He also shares his opinion of the potential causes of anorexia. He addresses the signs and treatment of the disease. Kevin Berry hones in on the fact that parents are an essential part of a child’s recovery from the disease. After reading this article I have realized that genetics are a major factor in causing anorexia in children. In most cases parents who have children suffering from anorexia usually dealt with the disease themselves at one point in time or another. This fact will be extremely helpful in my research essay. The article is valid because I found it through using the NAU Cline Library database. NAU Cline Library is known for having a very large database provided by credible sources. I tried to find more information about this journalist, but I have come up empty handed.
Brody, Jane E. “Exposing the Perils of Eating Disorders.” New York Times 12 Dec. 2000: pF8
This article is from the New York Times. I found it through the NAU Cline library database. The article talks about causes of anorexia. Jane E. Brody is a journalist for the New York Times. The article gives information on the consequences one deals with when being anorexia. This article also offers information from the experiences of several celebrities who suffered from the disease. This will be beneficial is proving that there is a strong amount of pressure to be thin. The entertainment industry has a lot of ideals that need to be met and if they aren’t then chances are you won’t be successful. The article is from the New York Times. This is one of the most credited Daily Newspapers around. It is known throughout the world, so it is a source that I trust.
Prah, Pamela M. "Eating Disorders." CQ Researcher 16.6 (2006): 121-144. CQ Researcher Online. CQ Press. Your library's name, city, state abbreviation. 2 Oct. 2007 http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2006021000.
This article by Pamela Prah introduces the fact that eating disorders (including anorexia) are serious mental disorders. She states that it is proven that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate over any other mental disorder. Prah proves that this disorder is extremely serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. In this article Prah is able to provide a lot of evidence regarding society’s influence on eating disorders. Prah proves that this disorder doesn’t only afflict over-achieving girls. Cases have shown that men, middle-aged women, and people of all different races are affected by this disease. Both rich and poor.
Rayner, Trisha. Eating Disorders Awareness: Anorexia Nervosa.2001. Ohio State University
Fact Sheet. http://ohioline.osu.edu/ed-fact/1002.html
In this article Trisha Rayner gives many warning signs that may cause suspicion if a person has anorexia. She believes that many women believe they can’t be successful in life unless their bodies are like “prepubescent girls.” I don’t completely agree with that, but I do believe there is a strong pressure to be a certain way from society. Trisha Rayner also stresses the point that we need to remember that people come in all shapes and sizes and that many of us will never be skinny or fat. She also talks about creating a healthy relationship between mind and body. I found this website by using the Google search engine.
Lintott, Sheila. “A Consideration of Eating Disorders Beyond Beauty.” NAU Cline Library.
2003. Hypatia. Abstract. 65-86.
http://wf2la2.webfeat.org/cid=clineli&wfn=wf_muse&sess=session%3D216.147.209.75.152711189130453404%3B%20PIA_history%3D122000809%3B%20PIA_user%3D220055742%3B%20PIA_last%3Dpia.cgi%253Faction%253Dnavigate%2526search_id%253D122000809%2526min%253D1%2526show%253D10&addr=10.10.22.80&url=http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/hypatia/v018/18.4lintott.html
In this article Sheila Lintott argues that fact that women are strongly encouraged to enjoy sublime experiences through excessive dieting. Lintott believes that societal influences are major contributors in this kind of mindset. Lintott says that we are conditioned to think that “thin is beautiful.” This is an incredibly true point. I know when I was growing up all the advertisements in the media contributed to a lot of harmful thinking towards my body. Lintott proves that advertisements have a way of portraying people who are thin as “happy” and “successful.” I know that I am not the only one who has been swayed by these advertisements.
Shelley, Rosemary. Anorexics on Anorexia. Philadelphia: Jessica Kinsley, 1999.
The author proves from this book that anorexia is not an illness experienced just by teenage girls. In fact it affects both males and females of all ages. The woman who wrote this book has fought anorexia herself, so she knows just how serious the illness is. She believes that the only thing anorexics have in common is that they are anorexic. Besides that, the factors that have caused them to have the illness are all different. This is an interesting point, because doctors are quick to try and figure out a cause for the disease. I believe that Rosemary shares the perspective she does because she too has been through anorexia. This book would help me with my question because it proves that there just is not one thing that causes anorexia. It gives a balanced approach to numerous amounts of factors that have caused people to suffer from the illness.
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Fasting Girls. New York: Vintage Books, 2000.
Brumberg may not have suffered from anorexia, but she has a lot of knowledge in the field of anorexia. As far back as 1965 she has had experience with anorexics. Anorexia is the focus of her professional research. Brumberg tries to address that reason as to why a disease can become prominent in one time period than another. She believes that to examine and understand the responsiveness of a disease to cultural settings one must look past the doctors, diagnoses, and therapies to the patients themselves. She has a balanced approach to her perspective on anorexia. She is well informed, and has a lot of experience with the disease. This is why I plan on using her as one of my sources in my research paper.
Levenkron, Steven. Anatomy of Anorexia. New York: Norton and Company, 2000.
This isn’t the only book that Levenkron has written on anorexia. He wrote: “Treating and Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa” in 1982. Levenkron has a lot of knowledge on the subject and believe that the obsessive compulsive qualities that cause many disorders is usually caused by the family dysfunctions and insufficient attachment. Levenkron addresses that fact that anorexia has skyrocketed in the past 20 years. He’s goes into several different reasons that cause anorexia. Levenkron gives a balanced approach to trying to unveil the causes of anorexia. He doesn’t just pinpoint one reason and stick to it. I plan on using this source in my research paper.
W#1 With Suggestions for revisions
There are a lot of things that I could fix in this paper. I think that since it was the first paper of the semester, I was still trying to perfect a lot of the requirements I needed to have in order to be a success in this class. One of the major things that I would change is how I used pronouns. In the final my paragraph was laden with “I think...." and “I believe...." Like Professor Adams said when he graded it: The reader already knows that is what you believe, so you don't have to state it in the actual paragraph. Another thing I would change is my actual argument. About halfway into the semester I realized that my topic wasn't very controversial. Instead of focusing on the reasons as to why people become anorexic, I would focus on the controversial treatments of the disorder. Also I clearly didn't use the MLA format correctly.
Rebecca Bobesku
Rebeccaann1285@gmail.com
13 September 2007
What Causes Anorexia?
The issue that I will be addressing for research paper is anorexia. The focused question that I will be answering in my paper is: "What causes Anorexia?" I am interested in this topic because I think that it is an issue that millions of adolescent girls deal with on a daily basis. With the interest and willingness I have to learn about this subject, my hope is to unveil some of the leading causes that promote this disorder. In the research paper I plan to touch on people who are recovering from anorexia. Reading the causes of why they developed the disorder may help me in answering my topic question.
This can be a controversial topic because not one person can pin-point what causes someone to become anorexic. There are several different reasons that doctors and psychologists find to be potential causes of anorexia. Some of these reasons include: the environment that one lives in, genetic make-up, personality traits, and societal influence. Can just one of these reasons cause someone to become anorexic or are there multiple factors? Usually it is a multiple of things, but the fact is, no one really knows why this disease started, and what causes people to be more susceptible to it than others.
I have had quite a bit of experience with this issue. In my adolescent years, I suffered from severe body issues and had a really hard time with my eating habits. Seeing how long I could get by without eating became an obsession for me. From experience I know that this issue can take over your whole outlook on life, and even your thinking. I've gotten really close to having to go seek treatment. I believe that this issue is a scary yet realistic issue that too many girls have to deal with.
Anorexia has definitely gotten out of hand in the past twenty years. It is probably at its peak right now. I believe this has a great deal to do with the messages and images that are being advertised through the media and advertisement companies. Adolescent girls are usually the ones to suffer most from these advertisements that are virtually everywhere: television, magazines, radio, retail shops, and movies. Whether we like to admit it or not, there is an expectation of how people are supposed to look. This version of what is “beautiful” is advertised everywhere, and it has been accepted by our society. If people aren't a certain way, then they are less accepted. So wanting to be accepted is a major reason that drives girls to anorexia.
My Audience for my final research paper will be open-minded individuals who have a desire to learn more about the topic that I chose. However for this assignment I will be addressing my topic to a couple of different audiences: my instructor and my fellow classmates. I believe the wants and needs of my audience would be a balanced view on the potential causes of this issue. This is something that I will strive for in the development of my research paper.
I have a general idea for my timeline. For the next couple of weeks, I will be trying to immerse myself in as much literature, articles, and TV programs as I possibly can. While doing those things, I will be taking notes on things that I may be able to use for my research paper. After I feel that I have a good base of knowledge on this issue, I will start to piece together all the information that I've come across, and group it into sections that are compatible. Then I will start writing my paper.
I think any issues I would have with this assignment would be the wealth of information that is available to the public. I need to make sure that I keep on track and only include credible sources and information that is relevant to answering my topic question.
Rebecca Bobesku
Rebeccaann1285@gmail.com
13 September 2007
What Causes Anorexia?
The issue that I will be addressing for research paper is anorexia. The focused question that I will be answering in my paper is: "What causes Anorexia?" I am interested in this topic because I think that it is an issue that millions of adolescent girls deal with on a daily basis. With the interest and willingness I have to learn about this subject, my hope is to unveil some of the leading causes that promote this disorder. In the research paper I plan to touch on people who are recovering from anorexia. Reading the causes of why they developed the disorder may help me in answering my topic question.
This can be a controversial topic because not one person can pin-point what causes someone to become anorexic. There are several different reasons that doctors and psychologists find to be potential causes of anorexia. Some of these reasons include: the environment that one lives in, genetic make-up, personality traits, and societal influence. Can just one of these reasons cause someone to become anorexic or are there multiple factors? Usually it is a multiple of things, but the fact is, no one really knows why this disease started, and what causes people to be more susceptible to it than others.
I have had quite a bit of experience with this issue. In my adolescent years, I suffered from severe body issues and had a really hard time with my eating habits. Seeing how long I could get by without eating became an obsession for me. From experience I know that this issue can take over your whole outlook on life, and even your thinking. I've gotten really close to having to go seek treatment. I believe that this issue is a scary yet realistic issue that too many girls have to deal with.
Anorexia has definitely gotten out of hand in the past twenty years. It is probably at its peak right now. I believe this has a great deal to do with the messages and images that are being advertised through the media and advertisement companies. Adolescent girls are usually the ones to suffer most from these advertisements that are virtually everywhere: television, magazines, radio, retail shops, and movies. Whether we like to admit it or not, there is an expectation of how people are supposed to look. This version of what is “beautiful” is advertised everywhere, and it has been accepted by our society. If people aren't a certain way, then they are less accepted. So wanting to be accepted is a major reason that drives girls to anorexia.
My Audience for my final research paper will be open-minded individuals who have a desire to learn more about the topic that I chose. However for this assignment I will be addressing my topic to a couple of different audiences: my instructor and my fellow classmates. I believe the wants and needs of my audience would be a balanced view on the potential causes of this issue. This is something that I will strive for in the development of my research paper.
I have a general idea for my timeline. For the next couple of weeks, I will be trying to immerse myself in as much literature, articles, and TV programs as I possibly can. While doing those things, I will be taking notes on things that I may be able to use for my research paper. After I feel that I have a good base of knowledge on this issue, I will start to piece together all the information that I've come across, and group it into sections that are compatible. Then I will start writing my paper.
I think any issues I would have with this assignment would be the wealth of information that is available to the public. I need to make sure that I keep on track and only include credible sources and information that is relevant to answering my topic question.
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