Robert S. Goldfarb
George Washington University
Department of Economics
2115 G St NW, Suite 340
Washington, D.C. 20052
E-Mail: 
Institutional Affiliation: George Washington University
Information about this author at RePEc
NBER Working Papers and Publications
April 2009 | Can A Rational Choice Framework Make Sense of Anorexia Nervosa?
with Thomas C. Leonard, Sara Markowitz, Steven Suranovic: w14838
Can a rational choice modeling framework help broaden our understanding of anorexia nervosa? This question is interesting because anorexia nervosa is a serious health concern, and because of the following issue: could a rational choice approach shed useful light on a condition which appears to involve "choosing" to be ill? We present a model of weight choice and dieting applicable to anorexia nervosa, and the sometimes-associated purging behavior. We also present empirical evidence about factors possibly contributing to anorexia nervosa. We offer this analysis as a consciousness-raising way of thinking about the condition. |
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