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Sexual orientation and eating psychopathology: The role of masculinity and femininity
Author(s) -
Meyer Caroline,
Blissett Jackie,
Oldfield Claire
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.1024
Subject(s) - femininity , psychology , masculinity , psychopathology , sexual orientation , eating disorders , developmental psychology , homosexuality , heterosexuality , clinical psychology , social psychology , psychoanalysis
Objective Previous research suggests that eating disorders are related to homosexuality in men, although links with female sexual orientation are less clear. Appearance factors have generally been implicated in this relationship. However, previous studies have failed to consider the role of femininity, even though evidence suggests that this is a more critical factor than sexual preference. The aim of this study was to consider the relationship between gender‐role orientation and eating psychopathology in nonclinical men and women of different sexual orientations. Method One hundred university students (40 homosexual; 60 heterosexual) completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory and the Eating Attitudes Test. Results For the group as a whole, there were links between femininity and high levels of eating psychopathology, whereas masculinity was associated with relatively healthy eating‐related attitudes and behaviors. When considering the role of sexual orientation, these links were specific to homosexual men and women. Conclusions In relation to homosexual men and women, the results support a model where femininity might be seen as a specific risk factor for eating disorders, whereas masculinity is likely to be a protective factor. Methodological and conceptual implications are discussed. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 29: 314–318, 2001.