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Family Functioning Among Adolescent Males With Restrictive Eating Disorders: A Comparison to Matched Adolescent
Renee D Rienecke1,2, Alan Duffy1, Philip S Mehler1,3
1Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Centers, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Summary
Male adolescents with eating disorders (EDs) experience poorer family functioning (FF) compared to females, particularly those with anorexia nervosa-restricting subtype. This study highlights the need for gender-inclusive research on EDs and family dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Health
- Family Studies
Background:
- Eating disorders (EDs) research predominantly features females, creating a gendered understanding of family functioning (FF).
- Limited data exists on FF specifically within male adolescent populations diagnosed with EDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To descriptively examine FF in male adolescents with EDs.
- To compare FF across different ED diagnoses in males (AN-R, AN-BP, ARFID).
- To compare FF between male and female adolescents with EDs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Family Assessment Device (FAD) to assess FF.
- Included 175 males and 175 females diagnosed with EDs.
- Compared FF scores across ED subtypes and between sexes.
Main Results:
- Males with EDs generally scored above clinical cutoffs for poor FF across most FAD subscales.
- No significant FF differences were observed among males across different ED diagnoses.
- Males with anorexia nervosa-restricting subtype (AN-R) reported significantly worse FF in affective involvement, responsiveness, communication, and general functioning compared to females with AN-R.
Conclusions:
- Findings underscore that male adolescents with EDs experience significant challenges in family functioning.
- The study advocates for a more diverse, gender-inclusive approach to ED research and treatment.
- Further qualitative research is recommended to explore the underlying reasons for poor FF in adolescent males with EDs.
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