Mike Anestis commented on 'Sexual trauma and bulimia nervosa: Possible mechanisms of action and new data - June 2009 Psychotherapy Brown Bag featured article'

2009-06-01T18:12:07Z

The study of mechanisms underlying the relationship between two variables is so interesting to me and, I think, of great importance in the efforts to reduce the degree to which this field relies upon the philosophical stances of individuals.

When all we know is that two variables such as sexual trauma and BN symptoms correlate with one another, it leaves too much room for people to simply guess why that is the case. In addition to increasing the likelihood of error, it does little to help us design treatments specifically aimed to counter whatever is driving problematic behaviors.

Thanks for sharing this data with PBB and its readers. The gene-environment interaction data is particularly compelling and exactly the type of material we're hoping to disseminate here. The idea that anyone can be impacted by an environmental stress (e.g., sexual trauma), but that certain individuals are genetically predisposed towards strong responses to stress is such an important point that, I fear, is not well understood in general.

My hope is that, by publicizing great data like this, people can come to know about the science behind these topics and learn to rely less on gut impulses and inaccurate information perpetuated by popular media.

Comments on Sexual trauma and bulimia nervosa: Possible mechanisms of action and new data - June 2009 Psychotherapy Brown Bag featured article

Mike Anestis commented on 'Sexual trauma and bulimia nervosa: Possible mechanisms of action and new data - June 2009 Psychotherapy Brown Bag featured article'