What about males? Exploring sex differences in the relationship between emotion difficulties and eating disorders

• DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00715-6
• Publication Date: 2022-12-13T13:03:33Z
• Authors: L. Vuillier; J. Joseph; M. Greville-Harris; L. May; M. P. Somerville; A. Harrison; R. L. Moseley
• Keywords: Expressive Suppression; Toronto Alexithymia Scale

Abstract Objective While eating disorders (EDs) are more commonly diagnosed in females, there is growing awareness that men also experience EDs and may do so a different way. Difficulties with emotion processing regulation believed to be important EDs, but as studies have involved predominantly female samples, it unclear whether this true for males. Methods In sample of 1604 participants (n = 631 males), we assessed males 109) compared results both females 220) from the general population 522). We looked at difficulties predicted various aspects psychopathology was moderated by sex. Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Emotion Regulation Scale Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Results found ED, like their counterparts, suffered deficits. did find some sex differences, tended report emotions well externally oriented thinking style EDs. were strongly predictive sexes. Importantly, relationship between cognitive reappraisal restraint. As such, low use associated higher levels restraint not Discussion females. Reappraisal reduced males, suggesting cautious approach interventions targeting strategy. Research around explanatory mechanisms must adopt broader viewpoint including those traditionally overlooked