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Published on: May 14, 2018
Homosexuality as a specific risk factor for eating disorders in men
Christopher J Russell1, Pamela K Keel
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Objective:
The current study examined whether homosexuality is a specific risk factor for disordered eating in men.
Method:
Men (64 heterosexual and 58 homosexual) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Masculinity and Femininity scales of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), the Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ).
Results:
Homosexual men had more pathological scores on the BDI, RSE, BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ. Additionally, homosexual men reported greater discomfort with sexual orientation. After controlling for differences in depression, self-esteem, and comfort with sexual orientation, sexual orientation continued to account for significant variance in BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ scores.
Discussion:
Future research may benefit from exploring aspects of homosexuality that may contribute specifically to risk for disordered eating in men.
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