Gender, Embodiment, and Eating Disorders

Abstract

Duffy et al. [1] have published an important study in the Journal of Adolescent Health about the health of transgender individuals. In a survey of 365,749 college students living in the United States, 678 (.2%) self-identified as transgender. Among those identifying as transgender, Duffy et al. observed a past-year eating disorders prevalence rate of 18% (nearly one in five) compared with rates of 1.8% and .2% for cisgender women and men, respectively. Of those transgender individuals with eating disorders, the authors observed a past-year suicide attempt prevalence rate of 75%da figure both shocking and compelling. The authors accurately state that the high rate of suicidality among transgender individuals with eating disorders is likely the result of multiple compounding issues, including the widespread discrimination and violence perpetrated toward transgender individuals [2] and the intrinsic pathos of eating disorders, which are known to potentiate suicidality [3]. But why are eating disorders so common among transgender individuals in the first place? In this editorial, we articulate one potential answer by drawing on two interrelated psychological concepts: gender and embodiment. In the eyes of many, eating disorders are synonymous with females, anorexia, and an intense desire to be thin [4]. Meanwhile, the field of eating disorders is contending with new manifestations of eating disorders that arise from different yet equally intense desires. Muscle dysmorphia, a psychological disorder nicknamed "reverse anorexia," is the manifestation of an intense, psychopathological desire to be muscular [5]. Gender differences in the prevalence of anorexia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia accord with gender differences in the types of bodies that women and men covet [6]. Generally speaking, women desire to be thin, whereas men desire to be muscular. By extension, women are overrepresented in anorexia, and men are overrepresented in muscle dysmorphia [6]. Eating disorders can be understood as moving targets [7]. Different desires for different bodies motivate different attitudes and behaviors. If we are willing to accept that different people desire different bodies, then we must also accept different manifestations of the psychopathology that arises 1054-139X/

Living Up to a Name: Gender Role Behavior Varies With Forename Gender Typicality

“…As facial appearances appear to conform to forename stereotypes (e.g., Chen et al, 2013), it is possible that the embodied gender-typicality of forenames also influences the degree to which body appearances conform to gender stereotypical ideals. Therefore, future research might also consider whether the gender-typicality of forenames influences the pursuit of body ideals (i.e., thinness in women and muscularity in men) thought to contribute to anorexia in women and muscle dysphoria in men (Griffiths and Yager, 2019) and explain a greater prevalence of eating disorders in transgender populations (Duffy et al, 2019).…”

Holistic nursing care for people diagnosed with an eating disorder: A qualitative study based on patients and nursing professionals' experience

“…Active listening, respect, intimacy, availability, no‐judging, and support are the pillars on which this relationship stands 16–18 . The specialization of Mental Health professionals is pointed out as the way to ensure holistic care 12,19 …”

“…[7][8][9][10] History has shown the concern for one's body image, and the associated disorders exclusively as a females' issue 11 an androcentric and, by definition, a gender-biased view that has made it difficult to understand how men were affected by this phenomenon and to ensure adequate treatment. 3,[12][13][14] Providing care to individuals with ED may be challenging. No consensus has been reached on the best way to treat them; there are as many treatments as theories.…”

“…[16][17][18] The specialization of Mental Health professionals is pointed out as the way to ensure holistic care. 12,19 That being so, it is fundamental to explore the patients' and the nursing professionals' views, find out what they think about this condition, and evaluate their level of satisfaction regarding the care provided.…”

“…Regarding the latter, significantly lower figures have been found in men: AN 0.5%–1%, BN 0.5%–0.9%, and UFED 0.54%–0.77%, BED 0.8%–1.1% 7–10 11 an androcentric and, by definition, a gender‐biased view that has made it difficult to understand how men were affected by this phenomenon and to ensure adequate treatment 3,12–14 …”