Potential Risk and Protective Factors for Eating Disorders in Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jewish Women

We describe these and use them as a basis for discussion of possible risk and protective factors for ED in Haredi women. Risk factors may include the centrality of food, poverty, rigid dress codes, the impo rtance of thinness for dating and marriage, high demands from women, selflessness and early marriage and high expectations from women. Protective factors may include faith, Jewish laws governing eating and food that encourage gratitude and mindful eating, and body covering as part of modesty laws th at discourage objectification. Ways of overcoming the current barriers to research in the Haredi community should be sought to advance ED prevention and treatment in this population.
Source: Journal of Religion and Health - Category: Medical Ethics Source Type: research