Affective development and etiological implication in body image disorders and anorexia: reflections on bdd manifestations and refusal of food in a psychodynamic view

The literature demonstrates that relational experiences during childhood have a strong impact on the trajectories of psychological growth. This article focuses on the major developmental phases for identity formation, psychological growth, mentalization skills, and ability to share affective states. It presents a careful analysis of some key factors that influence the representation of body image and the relationship with food, from a perspective that integrates relational psychodynamic models. In particular, it looks at the ways in which individuals and caregivers actively co-create the symptomatic process of intrapsychic reality in which body disease and refusal of food are performed.