The Secrets of Self-Starvation

Authors

Zenobia C. Y. Chan
Joyce L. C. Ma

Abstract

This is a single case study for which a life history approach was adopted. The informant, a patient suffering from anorexia nervosa (AN), was specifically selected because of her particular circumstances. Three themes emerged from her narrative that accounted for self-starvation: saving money, reserving food and competing for slenderness. The paper explores these themes and closes by emphasizing the necessity of understanding the sensitive and untold story of a patient’s self-starvation in her cultural-familial context.

Author Biography

Zenobia C. Y. Chan, RN, MPHC, Ph.D. Candidate, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work

Joyce L. C. Ma, Ph.D., R.S.W. Clinical Member of AAMFT, Professor, Department of Social Work, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Recommended Citation

Chan, Zenobia C. Y. and Ma, Joyce L. C. (2002) "The Secrets of Self-Starvation," Journal of International Women's Studies: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol3/iss2/2