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[Gender identity and eating disorders]
R Behar1, M de la Barrera, J Michelotti
1Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile. rositabehar@imaginativa.cl
Background:
A possible role of the feminine gender role in the genesis of eating disorders is possible, since most patients with these disorders are women.
Aim:
To compare some traits of gender identity between females with eating disorders and a control group.
Material And Methods:
An structured clinical interview based on the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for eating disorders and the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) were administered to 63 patients that fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa (ED group) and 63 comparison subjects (C group).
Results:
Forty three percent of patients in contrast with 23.8% of controls were classified within the feminine category. Likewise 19% of patients and 31.7% of controls were qualified as Androgynous; 27% of patients and 43% of controls were qualified as Undifferentiated. There were significant differences between patients and controls in 22 items of the BSRI (p < 0.01). Both groups rejected and were identified with some feminine, masculine and neutral qualities.
Discussion:
Femininity emerged as the main trait of gender identity in patients suffering of eating disorders. In contrast, Androgyny showed by the control group could result in a better adaptability and flexibility to face difficult life circumstances.