Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Maintaining refers to the act of keeping or preserving something in its current state. In the context of psychology, maintaining specifically refers to the refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight.
Related terms
Anorexia nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, self-induced starvation, and a distorted body image.
Body dysmorphia: A mental disorder where individuals have a distorted perception of their appearance and are excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their body.
Bulimia nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge-eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise.