Being men with eating disorders: perspectives of male eating disorder service-users

J Health Psychol. 2013 Feb;18(2):176-86. doi: 10.1177/1359105312440298. Epub 2012 Mar 27.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore experiences of men currently using eating disorder services. Eight men from two eating disorder services were interviewed about their experiences of seeking and receiving treatment. Two superordinate themes emerged from Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: (1) difficulty seeing self as having an eating disorder; and (2) experiences of treatment: how important is gender? The underlying themes varied in their specificity to men, with some echoing findings from the female eating disorder literature. Difficulty admitting the eating disorder may link with eating disorder psychopathology as well as gender-specific issues. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Concept*
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult