Homosexuality as a specific risk factor for eating disorders in men

TLDR: Sexual orientation continued to account for significant variance in BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ scores, and future research may benefit from exploring aspects of homosexuality that may contribute specifically to risk for disordered eating in men.

Abstract: Objective The current study examined whether homosexuality is a specific risk factor for disordered eating in men. Method Men (64 heterosexual and 58 homosexual) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Masculinity and Femininity scales of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), the Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Results Homosexual men had more pathological scores on the BDI, RSE, BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ. Additionally, homosexual men reported greater discomfort with sexual orientation. After controlling for differences in depression, self-esteem, and comfort with sexual orientation, sexual orientation continued to account for significant variance in BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ scores. Discussion Future research may benefit from exploring aspects of homosexuality that may contribute specifically to risk for disordered eating in men. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 31: 300–306, 2002; DOI 10.1002/eat.10036