Eating, Drinking, Overthinking

November 14, 2005
Nolen-Hoeksema (Women Who Think Too Much
) presents a theory that women who battle eating disorders, alcohol abuse and depression are really suffering from a single disorder for which she has coined the term "toxic triangle." The author claims to be among the first to recognize this (most experts, she says, choose one as the cause of the other two), but doesn't offer anything beyond her own observations as proof that this is true. The book's main strength is its excellent exploration of the impact of all three problems, individually and collectively, on women's lives. Eating disorders, alcohol abuse and depression affect women's relationships, careers, health and put them at risk for assault. Nolen-Hoeksema helps readers make sense of their past experiences and the genetic influences that can also make a difference, perhaps leading to a better understanding of their behavior. But she flounders between writing a clinical dissertation and penning a self-help book meant to guide readers to a solution. She constantly switches voices, speaking directly to the reader at some points and talking about the reader at others. Nolen-Hoeksema makes a provocative argument, but the book's lack of clinical research and cohesive narrative make it a tough sell.

Self-focused coping, according to this author, is a type of response to depressive symptoms and unmanaged craving that actually makes these symptoms worse. A Yale psychology professor, whose advice is aimed specifically at women, Nolen-Hoeksema offers a careful explanation of how a variety of addictive and compulsive behavior patterns are influenced by one's emotional state. Hers is a sensitive overview of how depressive states are impacted by relationships and cultural pressures. The author provides a timely reminder that women have options when it comes to understanding their lives, as well as a group of strategies that women will find useful in making their lives more manageable and fulfilling. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine