Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Eating disorder symptomatology and gender role orientation
Urs Hepp1, Anja Spindler, Gabriella Milos
1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. Urs.Hepp@usz.ch
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.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Panic Disorder
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Binge Eating Disorders
Conduct Disorder

