| Abstract: | One-hundred and forty-nine subjects (80 females and 69 males) were asked about their knowledge of anorexia and bulimia nervosa, the source of their knowledge, and the ways in which their knowledge of these disorders may have affected their attitudes towards eating, dieting, and related behaviors. Almost all subjects had heard of anorexia nervosa, whereas bulimia nervosa was less well known, particularly among males. Knowledge of anorexia nervosa was more detailed than that for bulimia nervosa. The mass media were the major sources of subjects' information about these disorders. Over one-third of females reported that their knowledge concerning anorexia and bulimia nervosa had affected their own eating or related attitudes in some way. The importance of the media in both promoting and preventing eating disorders is discussed. |
