Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are a significant yet underexplored public health issue in the Philippines, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Despite extensive research on EDs in Western societies, little is known about these disorders in the Philippines, where cultural attitudes profoundly influence mental health perceptions and help-seeking behaviors. This scoping review investigates how cultural attitudes and stigma affect help-seeking behaviors, serving as barriers to treatment and recovery for Filipinos with EDs. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework, the review implemented five stages: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting results. Inclusion criteria focused on studies from 2000 onwards examining EDs (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder) that mention cultural attitudes, stigma, and treatment barriers within Filipino youth to young adult populations. Databases searched included Scopus, APA PsycArticles, Taylor & Francis, PUBMED, Scidirect, university repositories, and other government documents pertaining to eating disorders in the Philippines. Findings highlight the significant impact of stigma and cultural norms in shaping help-seeking behaviors, perpetuating misconceptions about EDs, and reducing access to care. Though resources about eating disorders are limited, this review underscores the need for culturally sensitive strategies to reduce stigma and improve access to treatment in the Philippines. Insights from this study aim to inform practitioners in tailoring interventions to Filipino contexts, fostering recovery for individuals with EDs.
Author Information
Alyssa Marie S.P. Dar Juan, De La Salle University, Philippines
Paper Information
Conference: ACP2025
Stream: Psychology and Education
This paper is part of the ACP2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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