Eating-disordered behavior in males: the impact of adverse childhood experiences.
OBJECTIVE
The authors examined the possible relationship of childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, and dysfunctional family background and the risk for developing an eating disorder in adult males.


METHODS
Several anonymous questionnaires were distributed to male university students.


RESULTS
Of the 301 men, 12 (4.0%) had experienced childhood sexual abuse, 11 (3.6%) had been victims of physical abuse, 79 (26.2%) reported an adverse family background, and 14 (4.6%) had an increased risk for developing an eating disorder. There were no significant differences in the risk for developing an eating disorder and in total EDI between victims and nonvictims, but a significantly increased risk for eating disorders in men with an adverse family background.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that long-lasting negative familial relationships, particularly in connection with physically abusive experiences, may increase the risk for eating disorders.
Kinzl
J F
JF
Department of Psychiatry, Innsbruck University, Austria.
Mangweth
B
B
Traweger
C M
CM
Biebl
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires