Anorexia Nervosa and Mexican American Women: A Decolonial Feminist and Post-Jungian Perspective

Abstract

Despite the vast literature available on the subject of anorexia nervosa, limited research has investigated anorexia among Mexican American women. Most of the research that has informed the diagnostic conceptualization of anorexia has been conducted with White Euro-American populations. Furthermore, the monopolization of Eurocentric epistemologies and empirical methodologies within the field of psychology has resulted in the development of a limited and decontextualized diagnostic criteria. This has prompted discussions regarding the validity of the diagnostic criteria among people of color. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to critically examine the diagnostic conceptualization of anorexia among Mexican American women from a decolonial feminist and post-Jungian perspective. The primary aim was to contextualize the diagnostic criteria and investigate the following research question: How have legacies of European colonization impacted the diagnostic conceptualization of anorexia among Mexican American women? Utilizing a hermeneutic and narrative inquiry research approach, as well as a reflexive thematic analysis methodology, results revealed various themes and patterns connected to legacies of coloniality. These patterns were conceptualized as mutually reinforcing systems of oppression that contribute to the marginalization of Mexican American women from the literature and diagnostic criteria. Findings of this theoretical, archival study suggest the need for culturally sensitive and relevant diagnostic conceptualizations of anorexia, as well as greater self-reflexivity practices within the field of psychology.