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The Concept of Body Image and Its Changes

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Anorexia Nervosa and Other Dyscontrol Syndromes

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Abstract

One of the most characteristic features of anorectics is their distorted body image. This feature was noticed as early as over a century ago by Lasegue (1873) who stated: “Patient said she was neither changed nor is she thinner.” In more recent times Bruch (1962) talked about distorted inner image as pathognomonic. In 1973 she elaborated on three key symptoms: “A disturbance of delusional proportions in the body image and body concept, a disturbance in the accuracy of perception (or cognitive interpretation) of stimuli arising in the body, and finally, a paralyzing sense of ineffectiveness.” How is body image and the anorectic’s denial or perceptual distortion to be understood?

“What is meant by ascetic ideals?… In women at best, an additional implement of seduction, a little morbidezza on a fine piece of flesh, the anglehood of a plump, pretty animal.”

F.W.Nietzsche: The Genealogy of Morals III, 1887

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 20 Rav Berlin, 92503, Jerusalem, Israel

    Professor Dr. E. L. Edelstein

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  1. Professor Dr. E. L. Edelstein
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© 1989 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Edelstein, E.L. (1989). The Concept of Body Image and Its Changes. In: Anorexia Nervosa and Other Dyscontrol Syndromes. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73700-8_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73700-8_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-19281-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-73700-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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