Eating Disorders in British-Asian Children and Adolescents

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Abstract
That eating disorders exist amongst British-Asian children is now well-established. The idea of a `culture clash' as a risk factor in these children is popular. This article explores the possible mechanisms through which this `clash' could influence a child or an adolescent. The psychosocial matrix, the family's belief system, the experience of immigration and racism are all examined. The emergence of colonizer/colonized dynamics within British society influences communities, families and individuals. Adolescent females from British-Asian families may become the symbolic carrier of cultural values for the family, conversely, racism may lead to hating aspects of the self and family. Chaotic states of mind may ensue (as associated with bulimia), as can rigid, split and paranoid states of mind (as associated with anorexia). The colonizer/colonized dynamic can become a part of the treatment process and needs to be recognized.

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