Disordered Eating Behaviors and Sexual Harassment in Italian Male and Female University Students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe sexual harassment among Italian university students and analyze the relationship between harassment and disordered eating behaviors. An observational survey was conducted among university students at Trieste University (Italy) in spring 2014. Students answered an anonymous self-administered questionnaire about sexual harassment, including three domains-sexual harassment, unwanted comments on physical appearance, cyber-harassment-and disordered eating behaviors. The global sexual harassment index was computed with three levels: Level 0, no harassment; Level 1, harassment in at least one of the three domains; and Level 2, harassment in two or three domains. Disordered eating behaviors were classified by at least one of the following: (a) eating without being able to stop or vomiting at least once or twice a month, (b) using laxatives or diuretics at least once or twice a week, (c) monitoring weight every day, and (d) dieting at least very often. The sample included 759 students (347 men and 412 women; 18-29 years old). Experiencing sexual harassment was related to eating disorder symptoms for both genders with a regular gradient: the higher the harassment score, the more frequent the disordered eating behavior symptoms, even after adjusting for age and previous sexual violence. The association was stronger for males than females. Sexual harassment and disordered eating behaviors have long been considered mainly a female problem. Men are not exempt from these problems and in some cases may be more affected than women. The topics should be assessed in men and women.

Understanding the relationship between sexual harassment and eating disorder psychopathology: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The findings from the one longitudinal study in this review provide preliminary support for objectification theory, which states that increased SH may result in greater preoccupation with one's image, leading to greater risk of eating disorder psychopathology in the long term. This is supported by the concurrent evidence that self‐objectification, self‐surveillance, body shame, and self‐esteem were associated with the relationship between SH and eating disorder psychopathology (Funk, 2008; Harned & Fitzgerald, 2002; Holmes & Johnson, 2017; Romito et al, 2019; Wiseman & Moradi, 2010). Congruent with objectification theory, individuals who experience SH may begin to see themselves as sexual objects and compare themselves to culturally prescribed thin‐ideals.…”

“…However, and despite the limited number of published studies more generally, the results were strikingly consistent and provided clear evidence that experiences of SH are associated with eating disorder psychopathology. A statistically significant relationship was found between SH and eating disorder psychopathology in both the cross‐sectional studies and the one longitudinal study conducted (Petersen & Hyde, 2013), and even when adjusting for the potential confounding effects of sexual and physical abuse, depression and age (Buchanan et al, 2013; Casper & Lyubomirsky, 1997; Romito et al, 2019). SH was also found to be a risk correlate for weight and shape concern regardless of gender (Buchanan et al, 2013).…”

“…The majority of the studies (14 of 15) found a statistically significant association between SH and eating disorder psychopathology (Buchanan et al, 2013; Casper & Lyubomirsky, 1997; Harned, 2000; Harned & Fitzgerald, 2002; Holmes & Johnson, 2017; Huerta et al, 2006; Isaacs, 2012; Larson et al, 2019; Petersen & Hyde, 2013; Read et al, 1997; Romito et al, 2019; Sundgot‐Borgen et al, 2003; Terhoeven et al, 2020; Wiseman & Moradi, 2010) with only one study reporting a nonsignificant association (Funk, 2008). The only longitudinal study found a significant relationship between SH and eating disorder psychopathology (Petersen & Hyde, 2013).…”

“…A statistically significant association was still found between SH and eating disorder psychopathology when depression was controlled for (Buchanan et al, 2013), which was also in line with the findings from Harned (2000) which found depression was not a moderator of the relationship either. Harned (2000) controlled for sexual and physical abuse, Holmes and Johnson (2017) controlled for sexual orientation, Wiseman and Moradi (2010) controlled for age and BMI, while Romito et al (2019) controlled for age, relationship status, and mother's education. All papers found statistically significant associations between SH and eating disorder psychopathology after adjusting for these variables, indicative of a strong and independent association above and beyond the psychological and demographic characteristics of the person as well as their experiences of other forms of victimization.…”

Sexual harassment and menstrual disorders among Italian university women: A cross-sectional observational study

“…A few studies found strong associations between intimate partner violence, sexual assault and menstrual disorders, in locations as different as India, the United States and Europe [15–20]. Other studies found strong links between sexual harassment, mental health outcomes [21] and eating disorders [22,23]. However, to our knowledge, little attention has been paid to the impact of sexual harassment on menstrual disorders.…”