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Influence of gender role orientation (masculinity versus femininity) on body satisfaction and eating attitudes in homosexuals, heterosexuals and transsexuals

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Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gender role orientation and eating disorder attitudes and behaviors and body dissatisfaction in a sample of homosexuals, heterosexuals, and transsexuals.

Method

We screened 132 homosexuals, 178 heterosexuals (both male and female), and 15 MtF transsexuals by means of an ad hoc socio-demographic schedule; the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 and Symptom Checklist; the Body Uneasiness Test and the Bem Sex Role Inventory.

Results

Differences between homosexual, heterosexual, and transsexual participants emerged, but those data seem to be best explained by the constructs of femininity and masculinity than by the biological gender.

Discussion

The empirical evidence of a positive correlation between femininity and eating problems, and the negative correlation between masculinity and eating problems, is full of implications. Eating disorders appear to be diseases of femininity; masculinity seems to be a protective factor, independently by the biological gender.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Observatory on Eating Disorders, Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy

    Stefania Cella, Mara Iannaccone & Paolo Cotrufo

Authors
  1. Stefania Cella
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  2. Mara Iannaccone
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  3. Paolo Cotrufo
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Correspondence to Paolo Cotrufo.

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Cella, S., Iannaccone, M. & Cotrufo, P. Influence of gender role orientation (masculinity versus femininity) on body satisfaction and eating attitudes in homosexuals, heterosexuals and transsexuals. Eat Weight Disord 18, 115–124 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-013-0017-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-013-0017-z

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