“Eating Disorders.” Teen Health Series: Stress Information for Teens, edited by Siva Ganesh Maharaja, Omnigraphics, Inc., 3rd ed., 2017. Credo Reference, Web.
The article explains three main eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. For all conditions listed above, the author provides short encyclopedic entries that cover the main physiological and mental health symptoms, possible complications, and common unhealthy behaviors associated with the disorders. Aside from effectively highlighting the differences between commonly mixed-up disorders (bulimia and binge eating), the author motivates individuals with suspected eating disorders to seek help from trusted adults or use helplines. Based on this and the style of writing, the intended audience is comprised of teenagers without relevant background knowledge.
The information about the editor’s credentials is not presented, but the source was created in collaboration with a team of medical consultants with M.D./Ph.D. degrees in medical sciences, which adds to its credibility. Next, information included in the article does not come from questionable or low-quality sources – for instance, the author relies on the guidelines provided by the SAMHSA, which is an authoritative agency.
As for the research paper, the source can be used in the introductory section to provide an overview of anorexia and list its distinctive signs.
“Introduction to Anorexia: At Issue.” Anorexia, edited by Karen F. Balkin, Greenhaven Press, 2005. Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints. Web.
The book chapter explores the social implications of anorexia by paying special attention to the phenomenon of pro-ana websites and support groups and discussing such resources’ seduction potential. The author reviews questionable arguments to support pro-ana resources, including statements that such websites reduce the fear of being judged in anorexics and create safe online spaces for those with the diagnosis. The arguments against the resources are also introduced, including the supposed role of pro-ana groups in motivating people to stay sick and the promotion of unhealthy ideals. The source effectively explains the ongoing controversy surrounding pro-ana websites, but the author does not offer her position.
The source is credible in terms of the number of references used to review the phenomenon, and Balkin is a renowned editor of social science books for young adults. It has been published by Greenhaven Press, a well-known publishing company that mainly specializes in educational books for students.
Information from the source can be used in the research paper to support the discussion of ED treatments and address the controversial role of online support groups for anorexics.
Cresswell, Adam. “Environmental Factors may Trigger Anorexia.” Weekend Australian, 2012, pp. 8. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web.
The article focuses on the possible environmental triggers of anorexia nervosa and promising research projects in Australia that are to gain further insights into the topic. It explains a theory that links unhealthy eating behaviors in anorexia to the influences of specific genes switched on by environmental factors, thus challenging the traditional perceptions of anorexia. As per the article, new scientific data regarding the role of epigenetic factors in eating disorders would probably reduce a sense of guilt in anorexics’ parents and caregivers. It would also assist in the development of gene-targeting drugs for anorexia nervosa. The source’s purpose is to increase the general audience’s awareness of the promise of epigenetic research for anorexics.
In terms of credibility, the author is an experienced journalist and an editor that specializes in health and medicine topics. The publication is from the Saturday edition of the newspaper published by News Corp Australia, and the author cites the opinions of subject matter experts.
In the research paper, the source can be used to support a review of the potential and poorly explored causes of anorexia nervosa.
Jimerson, Shane R. “Anorexia.” Reader’s Guide to the Social Sciences, edited by Jonathan Michie, Routledge, 1st ed., 2001. Credo Reference. Web.
The source explains the state of knowledge regarding eating disorders by reviewing eight different research-based sources devoted to sex differences, incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of anorexia. The work is aimed at those interested in social science research and critically reviews topic-specific sources to demonstrate some persistent research gaps. Based on the reviews, such gaps include the lack of longitudinal research to inform the selection of anorexia treatment methods. Also, the review highlights a limited number of empirical studies that would address the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of anorexic patients from diverse age groups. Overall, the work effectively introduces the reader to the state of research and demonstrates the international scientific community’s interest in the topic.
As for credibility, the author has a Ph.D. degree in psychology and specializes in the psychological aspects of child development. Published by a well-known company focusing on academic research and references (Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers), the source can be considered credible.
The source could be used to support the discussion of treatment methods for anorexia and the remaining research gaps related to the best treatment options.
Streisand, Betsy. “Overcoming Anorexia.” U.S. News & World Report, 1997. SIRS Issues Researcher, Web.
The article aims to increase society’s awareness of anorexia nervosa and its devastating consequences by reviewing the contributions of Peggy Claude-Pierre to the treatment of eating disorders. The author reviews Claude-Pierre’s book titled The Secret Language of Eating Disorders. She explains the treatment methods that Claude-Pierre invented to save her daughters from death from anorexia, including hand-feeding and around-the-clock support. The author also discusses the work of the woman’s anorexia treatment program in Canada. She provides an objective analysis of the woman’s activity and cites the arguments of her critics, such as the absence of follow-up data about former patients and concerns regarding patient confidentiality.
As for credibility, the author is a professional reporter and a newspaper editor, and her writing does not reveal signs of partiality. Despite not being a research-based source, U.S. News & World Report is considered to be a popular and credible news magazine.
In the research paper, the source could be used to discuss research gaps related to anorexia treatments and raise the topic of controversial practices in treating EDs.
Works Cited
“Eating Disorders.” Teen Health Series: Stress Information for Teens, edited by Siva Ganesh Maharaja, Omnigraphics, Inc., 3rd ed., 2017. Credo Reference, Web.
“Introduction to Anorexia: At Issue.” Anorexia, edited by Karen F. Balkin, Greenhaven Press, 2005. Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints, Web.
Cresswell, Adam. “Environmental Factors may Trigger Anorexia.” Weekend Australian, 2012, pp. 8. SIRS Issues Researcher, Web.
Jimerson, Shane R. “Anorexia.” Reader’s Guide to the Social Sciences, edited by Jonathan Michie, Routledge, 1st ed., 2001. Credo Reference, Web.
Streisand, Betsy. “Overcoming Anorexia.” U.S. News & World Report, 1997. SIRS Issues Researcher, Web.