The knowledge and comfort levels of mental health professionals of the relationship between development of eating disorders and past sexual trauma

The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and comfort levels of mental health professionals who work with eating disorder clients with past sexual trauma. The study also focused on the connection between the development of eating disorders and sexual trauma, and the theories that explained the relationship.; An exploratory-descriptive research design was used. A confidential self-administered questionnaire was utilized. The sample size of the study was of 30 participants.; The results of this study indicated that eating disorder counselors/therapists reported low levels of comfort in talking with clients with past sexual trauma who have developed eating disorders. The majority of the respondents felt competent in working with eating disorders clients, yet not as competent in dealing with victims of sexual trauma.; The conclusion is that more research should be conducted on how extensively social workers are trained on discussing eating disorders and if they cover sexual abuse as a possible reason for the development of an eating disorder.