Evaluating the Perceptions of Disordered Eating in Men and Its Impacts on Health-Seeking Behaviors

Abstract

Disordered eating (DE) is a term that captures all maladaptive attitudes and behaviors around food consumption, often as a result of poor body image. The continuation of DE can progress into an eating disorder (ED), which results in inadequate nutrition. Individuals with ED are also at a higher deposition for developing psychiatric and medical comorbidities. Current research on DE and ED has historically centered on skinny, White, affluent girls (SWAG), inherently excluding marginalized identities from the majority of existing literature. Furthermore, there exists a severe gap in knowledge regarding ED and DE in boys and men. Factors that contribute to this gap include the underdiagnosis of ED, stigma towards masculine identities, barriers to care, and health literacy. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between the negative perceptions associated with DE and ED and its impact on the prevalence of DE symptoms and ability to engage in health-seeking behaviors among young men and those with marginalized identities. Data on DE, stigma, access to health care services, and general help-seeking was collected from a sample of college-aged undergraduate students at the University of Maryland, College Park (N = 257). Participants assigned male at birth (AMAB) were roughly twice as likely than participants assigned female at birth (AFAB) to be seen as weak for having a mental health problem (OR = 1.996, 95% CI = 1.10-3.62, p = .023). Findings indicate a cultural adherence to hegemonic ideals of masculinity which is a major aspect contributing to the stigma surrounding ED/DE in males. With the focus of this study being on a campus community, destigmatization efforts in male spaces and educational wellness resources that target at-risk individuals should be implemented. Future studies may examine the benefits and efficacy of such intervention and educational programs.