[Gender identity and eating disorders].
BACKGROUND
A possible role of the feminine gender role in the genesis of eating disorders is possible, since most patients with these disorders are women.


OBJECTIVE
To compare some traits of gender identity between females with eating disorders and a control group.


METHODS
An structured clinical interview based on the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for eating disorders and the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) were administered to 63 patients that fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa (ED group) and 63 comparison subjects (C group).


RESULTS
Forty three percent of patients in contrast with 23.8% of controls were classified within the feminine category. Likewise 19% of patients and 31.7% of controls were qualified as Androgynous; 27% of patients and 43% of controls were qualified as Undifferentiated. There were significant differences between patients and controls in 22 items of the BSRI (p < 0.01). Both groups rejected and were identified with some feminine, masculine and neutral qualities.


CONCLUSIONS
Femininity emerged as the main trait of gender identity in patients suffering of eating disorders. In contrast, Androgyny showed by the control group could result in a better adaptability and flexibility to face difficult life circumstances.
Behar
R
R
Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile. rositabehar@imaginativa.cl
de la Barrera
M
M
Michelotti
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D010555:Personality Inventory