Homosexuality as a Risk Factor for Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Men

Boisvert, Jennifer A.; Harrell, W. Andrew

doi:10.3149/jms.1703.210

Cited by 44 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 45 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Body image concerns have been identified as the critical variable related to hazardous eating behaviours among gay men (Boisvert & Harrell, 2009;Strong et al, 2000). Body image satisfaction results from an evaluation process, and refers to one's beliefs about one's physical appearance (Cash, 2002).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relationships Between Sense of Belonging to the Gay Community, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Self-Esteem Among Australian Gay Men

Kousari-Rad

McLaren

2013

Journal of Homosexuality

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Body image dissatisfaction has been linked to belonging to the gay community and poor self-esteem among gay men. This study was designed to explore the applicability of a moderation model and a mediation model in explaining the relations between sense of belonging to the gay community, body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem among 90 self-identified Australian gay men. Participants completed the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Body Satisfaction Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results supported the moderation model; the relation between body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem was found to be statistically significant only at average and high levels of belonging to the gay community. The mediation model was also supported; body image dissatisfaction partially mediated the sense of belonging-self-esteem relation. Educating gay men and health professionals about the possible negative outcomes of "belonging" to an appearance-oriented community is important.

show abstract

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relationships Between Sense of Belonging to the Gay Community, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Self-Esteem Among Australian Gay Men

Kousari-Rad

McLaren

2013

Journal of Homosexuality

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Research has shown that sexual orientation may have an effect on the prevalence of body image‐related issues among men. Results suggest that gay men are at greater risk for EDs than heterosexual men are (Boisvert & Harrell, 2009), with homosexuality/bisexuality shown as a specific risk factor in men who develop bulimia (Carlat et al, 1997). In addition, Siconolfi, Halkitis, Allomong, and Burton (2009) found that White and Latino gay men reported higher ED scores than did African American gay men.…”

Section: Common Symptoms and Risk Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Men and Body Image: Current Issues and Counseling Implications

Burlew

Shurts

2013

Jour of Counseling & Develop

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Male adolescents and men may experience body image dissatisfaction/distress (BID), and their symptoms and behaviors may often go unrecognized or underdiagnosed. This lack of recognition occurs because the symptoms are often at the subclinical level on the continuum of BID, yet more men than ever before are experiencing BID. The authors describe BID and present an overview of BID symptoms, related diagnoses, and recommended prevention and intervention strategies for men experiencing BID.

show abstract

“…In addition, body image dissatisfaction negatively correlates with self-esteem and self-acceptance more strongly among gay males than among heterosexual males (Gil, 2007;Hunt, Gonsalkorale, & Nosek, 2012; Levesque & Vichesky, 2006;. Studies have also shown that within the male gay population, body image disturbances are strong predictors of eating disorders and restricted eating behaviour (Blashill, 2010;Boisvert & Harrell, 2009). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, mounting evidence has identified gay men as another potentially high-risk population (e.g., Feldman & Meyer, 2007;Russell & Keel, 2002). For instance, studies comparing gay and heterosexual men have found gay men experience and express more body image dissatisfaction (e.g., Morrison, Morrison, & Sager, 2004;Jankowski, Diedrichs, & Halliwell, 2014;Levesque & Vichesky, 2006), are more at risk of eating disordered symptomology (Boisvert & Harrell, 2009), and are more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder (Russell & Keel, 2002). In addition, body image dissatisfaction negatively correlates with self-esteem and self-acceptance more strongly among gay males than among heterosexual males (Gil, 2007;Hunt, Gonsalkorale, & Nosek, 2012; Levesque & Vichesky, 2006;.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Mental Health Impact of Physical Appearance Concerns in the Context of Other Life Domains Among Australian Gay Men

2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Previous studies have identified gay men as a high-risk population for body image disturbances. However, little research has examined the mental health impact of gay men's physical appearance concerns in the context of other major life domains. The present study addresses this gap by investigating how mental health outcomes (satisfaction with life, selfesteem, positive wellbeing, and psychological distress) are associated with satisfaction with and importance of physical appearance, work, family relationships, friendships, health and fitness, and sex life among Australian gay men aged 18-39. The possible moderating role of intimate relationship status is also examined. Results from an online survey reveal that greater satisfaction with physical appearance, work, family, and friendships all bear similar positive associations with mental health. However, more importance placed on physical appearance is more consistently associated with poorer mental health compared with the subjective importance of other domains. Findings also indicate the associations between physical appearance satisfaction and life satisfaction, and between physical appearance importance and positive wellbeing, are weaker for those in relationships. Thus, physical appearance matters in gay men's lives, but is only one factor when considered in the broader context of other life areas that contribute to overall wellbeing. These findings suggest the need for a nuanced and contextualised understanding of how physical appearance concerns fit into gay men's lives. (Word count: 217)

show abstract

Homosexuality as a Risk Factor for Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Men

Cited by 44 publications

References 45 publications

The Relationships Between Sense of Belonging to the Gay Community, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Self-Esteem Among Australian Gay Men

The Relationships Between Sense of Belonging to the Gay Community, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Self-Esteem Among Australian Gay Men

Men and Body Image: Current Issues and Counseling Implications

The Mental Health Impact of Physical Appearance Concerns in the Context of Other Life Domains Among Australian Gay Men

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About