Table 2 Eating Disorder and Disordered Eating Behavior Risk Factors in Gay Male Adults and Adolescents
From: Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in the LGBT population: a review of the literature
Risk Factors | Eating Disorders | Disordered Eating Behaviors | |
|---|---|---|---|
Adults | Adults | Adolescents | |
Sexual Orientation | Ambivalence about sexual orientation Concern about the perception of others regarding sexual orientation Attending a gay recreational group Sexual objectification experiences Pornography viewing | Discrimination Concealment of sexual orientation Rumination Internalized homophobia Internalized homonegativity Gay community identification (thinner men) Belonging to the gay community High-risk sexual behaviors | Achieving sexual minority developmental milestones at a younger age |
Relationship Dynamic | Social media use | Lower relationship satisfaction Being single Unmet need to belong Social sensitivity Dating app usage | Bullying Lack of support from adults |
Body Image | Longer exercise sessions Internalization of cultural standards of attractiveness Body surveillance Steroid use Athletic appearance ideal internalization Upward appearance-base social comparisons Body image dissatisfaction Higher BMI | Awareness of sociocultural norms regarding weight Implicit and explicit attitudes regarding weight External motivation for working out Engaging in behaviors to increase muscle mass Pressure to diet Body image disturbance Body image dissatisfaction Higher BMI | Lack of physical activity Body image dissatisfaction Higher BMI |
Intrapsychic Functioning | Â | Susceptibility to social messages Low self-esteem Low self-compassion Media internalization | Â |
Demographic | Latino/Hispanic or black ethnicity | Caucasian ethnicity Older age Younger age | Older age |
Mental Health | Anxiety Depression Substance use disorder Specific phobia Any psychiatric disorder Childhood sexual abuse | History of childhood sexual abuse Depression Negative affect Alcohol abuse | Â |
Gender Attitude | Conformity to masculine norms Recalled childhood harassment for gender nonconformity | Negative femininity Greater levels of femininity Gender role conflict | Â |