Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 5, 2025

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Body checking behaviors and eating disorder pathology among nonbinary individuals with androgynous appearance ideals
Claire E Cusack1, M Paz Galupo2
1Department of Psychology, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, USA.
Background:
Internalized sociocultural standards of attractiveness are a risk factor repeatedly linked to eating disorders; however, many nonbinary individuals do not conform to these standards.
Purpose:
This study investigated the body checking behaviors and eating disorder pathology among nonbinary individuals with androgynous appearance ideals.
Methods:
Participants (n = 194) completed an online survey assessing body checking behaviors, body appreciation, gender congruence, and eating disorder pathology RESULTS: Body checking predicted eating disorder pathology, and body image significantly improved the model. Gender congruence did not additional variance in predicting eating pathology CONCLUSION: Though gender congruence was not a significant predictor of eating pathology, content analysis revealed unique body behaviors specific to nonbinary individuals' gender identity and gender expression. Clinical implications include expanding perceptions of eating disorder presentation when working with nonbinary individuals with androgynous appearance ideals.
Level Of Evidence:
Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Borderline Personality Disorder
Genetic and Environmental Contributions
Borderline Personality...
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience

