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Gender differences in eating disorder-related intrusive thoughts
Nicole Thaiposri1, John Reece2
1Discipline of Psychological Sciences, Australian College of Applied Psychology, Sydney, Australia.
Eating Disorders
|November 2, 2020
Summary
Women experience eating disorder-related intrusive thoughts (EDITs) more often and with greater distress than men. Those at risk use more rituals to cope with EDITs, highlighting their role in eating disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Intrusive thoughts are common in eating disorders.
- Eating disorder-related intrusive thoughts (EDITs) may represent a transdiagnostic mechanism.
- Understanding gender and risk differences in EDITs is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in the frequency, content, emotional impact, and coping strategies for EDITs.
- To compare EDIT experiences between individuals at risk for eating disorders and those not at risk.
- To explore the relationship between body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and EDITs.
Main Methods:
- 671 adults completed self-report measures.
- Assessed were EDITs, disordered eating attitudes/behaviors, and body dissatisfaction.
- Statistical analyses examined gender and risk group differences.
Main Results:
- Females reported more frequent and distressing EDITs than males.
- Females used distraction/suppression; males used avoidance.
- At-risk individuals had more frequent/distressing EDITs and used more rituals.
- Gender differences emerged in the association between EDITs and specific factors (body dissatisfaction, disordered eating).
Conclusions:
- EDITs are a significant clinical feature of eating disorders.
- Intrusive thoughts appear to be a transdiagnostic factor in eating disorders.
- Gender and risk status influence EDIT experiences and coping mechanisms.
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