Feminity/masculinity and disordered eating in women: How are they related?

Issues around femininity and masculinity have been implicated as etiological variables in the development of eating disorders among women. However, previous research on this subject has produced inconsistent results. This study examined the hypothesis that this inconsistency is due partially to incomplete conceptualizations of sex role orientation. Three aspects of the current female sex role stereotype were considered to be related to symptoms of eating disorders: importance of physical appearance, importance of masculine and feminine traits, and the number of roles a woman considers central to her identity. A non-clinical sample of 45 female undergraduates completed a battery of questionnaires. Results showed no relationship between a standard measure of femininity (the PAQ) and disordered eating. However, importance of appearance was related to both femininity and disordered eating. Furthermore, placing greater importance on possessing socially desirable masculine traits was a significant predictor of disordered eating. Finally, subjects who felt that many roles rather than few roles were central to their sense of self obtained high scores on a measure of disordered eating. These findings are discussed in light of the “superwoman” image and disordered eating, and arguments are made for the development of more complete conceptualizations of masculinity and femininity.     

Femininity,masculinity, and body image in a community-based sample of lesbian and bisexual women

This study expands the literature on body image among lesbian and bisexual women by examining the relationship between self-perceived gendered personality traits and expressions (i.e., sense of self in relation to cultural constructions of femininity and masculinity) and body satisfaction, a key body image construct. We used data from Wave 3 (2010–2012) of the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women (CHLEW) study. The CHLEW includes a novel measure of gender expression, with masculinity and femininity as distinct but overlapping constructs. In the large analytic sample (N = 553), we found both similarities and differences in the association between femininity/masculinity and body image in lesbian and bisexual women. Bisexual women reported significantly lower body satisfaction than lesbian women. Higher masculinity was associated with greater body satisfaction in the full sample, but the association was stronger for bisexual than lesbian women. Femininity was positively associated with body satisfaction only for bisexual women. These findings suggest that masculinity and femininity play different roles in body satisfaction for lesbian and bisexual women and highlight the importance of disaggregating sexual identity in studies of sexual minority women’s health. Clinicians should routinely ask about sexual identity and gender expression, especially when presenting concerns involve body image or disordered eating.     

低年级小学生男女性特质和父母教养方式的关联

目的 分析厦门市低年级小学生男、女性特质得分和父母教养方式的关联,为儿童青少年树立正确的性别角色观提供政策建议和参考依据.方法 采用整群随机抽样的方法筛选厦门市2所小学的823名小学生作为研究对象,通过儿童性别角色量表(CSRI)调查小学生男女性特质得分,通过简化版父母教养方式量表获得小学生父母教养方式的态度和行为.采...     

Eating disorder symptomatology and gender role orientation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to investigate associations between gender role orientation and eating pathology in a sample of females with eating disorders (ED). METHODS: Sixty-eight women with anorexia nervosa and 123 women with bulimia nervosa completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), the Eating Disorders Inventory, and the Sexual Anxiety subscale of the Anorexia Nervosa Inventory for Self-Rating. RESULTS: All three subscales of the BSRI--femininity, masculinity, and social desirability--correlated negatively with self-reported ED behavior and attitudes. Individuals with high levels of androgyny (i.e., those scoring high on femininity and masculinity) reported lower levels of ED symptomatology compared with undifferentiated individuals (i.e., those scoring low on femininity and masculinity), who showed higher levels of ED symptoms. DISCUSSION: Femininity and masculinity, although independent traits, should not be considered isolated from each other in the context of ED. In females with ED, androgyny appears to be associated with lower levels of ED symptoms. Self-esteem may play a mediating role in this association.     

Timing and sequence of the onset of overweight, dieting, and binge eating in overweight patients with binge eating disorder

OBJECTIVE: To examine the self-reported sequence and timing of onset of overweight, binge eating, and dieting in adult patients diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED). METHOD: Participants were 284 treatment-seeking adults (73 men and 211 women) who met DSM-IV research criteria for BED. Patients were interviewed with structured diagnostic interviews and were queried regarding history of overweight, dieting, and binge eating behaviors. Questionnaires were also administered to assess current eating disturbances, body dissatisfaction, and general functioning. Participants were classified as Overweight First, Binge First, or Diet First, and the three groups were compared on developmental sequence and using the battery of measures. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent of the 284 participants reported becoming overweight prior to the onset of dieting or binge eating. Participants who reported they were overweight first had significantly greater BMI at the time of assessment. The 16% of the participants who reported binge eating first were significantly younger at the onset of BED diagnosis and reported significantly less dietary restraint. Onset order differed significantly by gender; proportionally more women (25%) than men (11%) reported that dieting preceded overweight or binge eating. CONCLUSION: Weight problems preceded dieting and binge eating behaviors for a majority of treatment-seeking overweight participants diagnosed with BED.     

Preferences for Masculinity Across Faces,Bodies, and Personality Traits in Homosexual and Bisexual Chinese Men: Relationship to Sexual Self-Labels and Attitudes Toward Masculinity

This study examined preferences for masculinity across faces, bodies, and personality traits in 462 homosexual and bisexual men in China. The impact of sexual self-labels (tops, bottoms, and versatiles) and attitude toward male masculinity on preferences for masculinity were also examined. Participants were asked to select the seven most desirable personality traits for a romantic partner from a list of 32 traits of gender roles. A series of 10 masculinized and feminized dimorphic images of male faces and bodies were then presented to participants, who were required to identify their preferred image. The results indicated that participants preferred more masculine faces, bodies, and personality traits. Significant differences in preferences for masculinity were found between tops, bottoms, and versatiles, with both bottoms and versatiles preferring more masculine faces, bodies, and personality traits than did tops. In addition, preferences for masculinity across faces, bodies, and traits showed a significant positive correlation with each other for all sexual self-labels, indicating a consistent preference for masculinity. Attitude toward male masculinity was significantly correlated with facial, body, and trait preferences; individuals with more rigid attitudes toward male masculinity (low acceptance of femininity in males) preferred more masculine characters. These results indicate a consistent preference for masculinity between both physical features (faces and bodies) and personality traits (instrumentality) that may be affected by observer perception.     

Sexual orientation and eating psychopathology: the role of masculinity and femininity

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.     

Eating disorders and alcohol use: group differences in consumption rates and drinking motives

Alcohol use and drinking motives were investigated among college women divided into four probable eating disorder groups: Bulimia Nervosa, purging subtype (BN n=16) Binge Eating Disorder (BED n=30) Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS n=85) and Non-Eating Disordered Controls (NEDC n=252). Participants completed questionnaires that assessed eating behaviors and attitudes, motives for drinking alcohol, quantity and frequency of alcohol use, and binge drinking. The BED group reported greater weekend alcohol consumption and binge drinking than the EDNOS and NEDC groups. The BN and BED groups were significantly more likely to endorse Coping as a drinking motive than the EDNOS and NEDC groups. The NEDC group was more likely to endorse Mood Enhancement than the EDNOS group. These results offer one explanation for the relationship between eating and alcohol use disorders. Women with eating disorders may use alcohol to cope with negative affect, analogous to findings that women with eating disorders report binge eating to regulate negative affect [Mizes, J. S. (1985). Bulimia: A review of its symptomatology and treatment. Advances in Behavior Research and Therapy, 7, 91-142].     

Variability in self-esteem,moods, shame,and guilt in women who binge

Variability in self-esteem, moods, shame, and guilt was explored in a sample of 78 women (37 who binge and 41 who do not binge) attending a large university. Results indicated that women who binge reported significantly greater fluctuations than women who do not binge in state self-esteem, negative affect, shame, and guilt. In addition, contrary to the hypotheses, self-esteem and positive affect increased prior to all eating episodes for women, including binge episodes for women who binge. Women who binge also reported lower levels of state self-esteem and positive affect, and higher levels of shame and guilt prior to binges than controls prior to their eating episodes. Theoretical implications of the differential role of shame and guilt are considered. In addition, results are discussed in terms of support for a self-nurturance explanation of binge eating in nonclinical samples of women. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 23:391–397, 1998.     

The onset and course of binge eating in 8- to 13-year-old healthy weight, overweight and obese children

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of binge eating and overeating in 8- to 13-year-old children; (2) identify factors that cross-sectionally predict binge eating and overeating; and (3) identify factors that prospectively predict onset of binge eating and overeating. METHODS: Participants were 259 boys and girls who were assessed at baseline and one-year follow-up, using a range of semi-structured interviews that included the Child Eating Disorder Examination. RESULTS: At baseline, 9% of children reported binge eating and 6% reported overeating. Obese children were most at risk for these behaviours. Dietary restraint and the tendency to use food to regulate emotions were significant in predicting binge eating onset prospectively, and eating concern was significant in predicting binge eating cross-sectionally. CONCLUSION: Results provide support for current cognitive-behavioural models of binge eating, and have implications for guiding binge eating prevention and intervention efforts with children.     

The relationship among binge severity,personality psychopathology,and body mass index

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship among binge severity, personality psychopathology, and body mass index (BMI) among individuals with binge eating disorder (BED). METHOD: Participants were 50 individuals from the community who responded to advertisements for a medication treatment study of compulsive overeating and met BED criteria. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders. RESULTS: Binge eating severity was significantly and positively correlated with BMI and personality disorder symptomatology. The frequency of binge eating episodes, but not binge size, was associated with greater levels of personality psychopathology. BMI and personality psychopathology were unrelated. Twelve percent of the participants met full criteria for avoidant personality disorder (APD) and 10% met full criteria for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that eating pathology, rather than weight, is related to personality psychopathology. APD and OCPD traits may be of particular relevance when considering treatment interventions for individuals with BED.     

Suicide in the elderly from a gender perspective

This study examines the relationship between suicide and aging from a gender perspective, examining the socially imposed boundaries of masculinity and femininity in the lives of elderly people who committed suicide. It is a qualitative study in which 50 psychosocial autopsies conducted with elderly relatives were selected from 10 cities in the North, South, Northeast and Midwest of Brazil. In this article we have identified situations of gender vulnerabilities in the lives of 13 people who committed suicide: 10 men and 3 women selected for their exemplary character. Two main categories were listed: the first refers to femininity including the "gender destiny" experienced by elderly women who commit suicide when they can no longer care for themselves or work. The second concerns the hegemonic masculinity in crisis, in which old men die after changing from the role of providers due to retirement or illness. It should be stressed that gender norms, codes of honor, power inequalities and stereotypes affect both women and men in terms of susceptibility to suicidal behavior.     

The relationship between binge eating and weight status on depression,anxiety, and body image among a diverse college sample: A focus on Bi/Multiracial women

Binge eating is associated with a host of adverse outcomes, but little is known about sex and racial differences among those who binge eat. The present study examined sex and racial group differences in binge eating based on weight status within a college-student population. It was hypothesized that White women would endorse higher rates of binge eating, depression, anxiety, and body image dissatisfaction than other groups. Participants completed a web-based survey assessing depression, anxiety, body image, weight history, physical activity, smoking, and body mass index. Participants included White, Black, and Bi/Multiracial college students. Findings highlighted sex and racial differences based on binge eating and weight status. Notably, Bi/Multiracial women who endorsed binge eating behavior and who were overweight reported greater levels of anxiety than all other groups and greater levels of depression than White women and White men. Additionally, Bi/Multiracial women and White women who endorsed binge eating behavior and who were overweight reported greater body image dissatisfaction relative to Black women and White men. Future research should further explore the nature and impact of sex and race differences on binge eating.     

Appearance vs. health reasons for seeking treatment among obese patients with binge eating disorder

OBJECTIVE: This study examined reasons for seeking treatment reported by obese patients diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED). RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were 248 adults (58 men and 190 women) who met DSM criteria for BED. Participants were recruited through advertisements for treatment studies looking for persons who wanted to "stop binge eating and lose weight." Patients' reasons for seeking treatment were examined with respect to demography (gender and age), obesity (BMI and age of onset), features of eating disorders, and associated psychological functioning (depression and self-esteem). RESULTS: Of the 248 participants, 64% reported health concerns and 36% reported appearance concerns as their primary reason for seeking treatment. Reasons for seeking treatment did not differ significantly by gender. Patients seeking treatment because of appearance-related reasons had lower BMIs than those reporting health-related reasons (34.8 vs. 38.5, respectively), but they reported greater body dissatisfaction, more features of eating disorders, and lower self-esteem. DISCUSSION: Reasons that prompt treatment seeking among obese individuals with BED reflect meaningful patient characteristics and, therefore, warrant assessment and consideration during treatment planning. Further research is needed to determine whether reasons for treatment seeking among different obese patient groups affect treatment outcomes.     

Disordered eating and food cravings among urban obese African American women

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of night eating syndrome (NES), binge eating disorder (BED), and bulimia nervosa (BN) and the general experience of food cravings were examined in 88 obese urban African American women. METHOD: Participants were administered The Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-R, the Night Eating Syndrome Questionnaire, and the State and Trait Food Cravings Questionnaire, Trait version (FCQ-T). RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent reported symptoms of eating disorders (18.9% NES, 6.4% recurrent binge eating, 2.2% both NES and recurrent binge eating). Those reporting disordered eating had significantly higher total FCQ-T scores than those not reporting disordered eating. Persons endorsing recurrent binge eating had the highest mean score, followed by those reporting NES. Those who identified themselves as binge eaters and night eaters were not significantly different from each other, but both groups were significantly different than the no eating disorder symptoms group on various subscales of the FCQ-T. DISCUSSION: Obese African American women report significant levels of NES and binge eating which may contribute to the development and/ or maintenance of obesity.     

Evaluating direct and indirect measures for the functional assessment of binge eating.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the usefulness of the Function of Binge Eating Scale and monitoring forms for a sample of subclinical binge eaters. METHOD: Participants included 23 college students who reported engaging in binge eating an average of two or more times per week. Participants completed the Function of Binge Eating Scale at the initial session, at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks. Participants also monitored binge eating behavior and completed an Antecedent Checklist each time they engaged in binge eating. RESULTS: Participants responded similarly to direct and indirect measures of antecedents of binge eating although they tended to rate items on the indirect measures as more intense than on the direct measures. Boredom and dissatisfaction with body weight and shape were rated as the most intense proximate antecedents while anxiety and anger at others were reported as least intense. Irritability and depressed mood were the most frequently reported temporally remote antecedents. DISCUSSION: Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.     

Binge eating in adolescents: Its relation to behavioural problems and family-meal patterns

The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between binge eating, behavioural problems and family-meal patterns in a sample of adolescents. Two hundred and fifty-nine adolescents from a public secondary school completed the Bulimic Investigatory test, Edinburgh (BITE) [Henderson, M., & Freeman, C. P. (1987). A self-rating scale for bulimia. The “BITE”. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 18–24.] and the Youth Self-Report (YSR) [Achenbach, T. M. (1991). Manual for the Youth Self-Report and 1991 profile. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont.], as well as 13 additional questions regarding the eating episodes and family-meal patterns. The results show that binge eating is a frequent behaviour in adolescence with 33.2% of the sample reporting binge eating at least once in the last six months. The adolescents who reported binge eating had higher scores on most of the YSR first-order factors compared to those who do not engage in this behaviour. No differences were found in family meal patterns. Questions regarding the binge-eating episodes were also analysed making comparisons by age and gender.     

Effects of children on parental sex-role orientation

The predominant theories of gender-role development have focused primarily on childhood; socialization processes for gender roles are explained from birth through adolescence. The assumption appears to be that gender roles are developed in childhood and implemented, basically unchanged, in adulthood. There is evidence, however, that gender-role self-perceptions change in adulthood. This study investigates the effects of sex of children on parental sex-role orientation. More specifically, an attempt is made to determine if the presence of sons affects sex-role self-concept of parents more than the presence of daughters. The Bem Sex Role Inventory was administered to 153 parental dyads who had daughters only (n=41), sons only (n=41), or an equal number of both sons and daughters (n=71). Sex of child, especially sons, did appear to have an effect on parents' femininity. Fathers with sons have lower femininity scores than fathers with daughters only, and mothers with sons have higher femininity scores than mothers with daughters only.