Nothing Left to Take: A Study of Eating Disorders in Males
Nothing Left to Take: A Study of Eating Disorders in Males
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Issue Date
1984
Authors
Goodfried, Alan
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Abstract
MMPI profiles and mean scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) were used to compare two groups of eating disordered males and one non-eating disordered group of male controls. Based upon weight and eating activity (e.g., abstain, binge, or vomit), members of the eating disordered group were identified as either anorectic or bulimic. Individual t-tests showed significant differences between both eating disordered groups and the control group. The anorectic group differed significantly from the bulimic and control groups on six of the ten clinical scales of the MMPI and on all eight of the subscales of the EDT. On all scales where significant differences were noted, the anorectics' higher scores indicate more severe symptomology. The bulimic group did not differ significantly from the controls on most measures, indicating that the anorectics accounted for most of the differences. The psychological profile of the eating disordered group is characterized by depression, anxiety, rigidity, impulsivity, perfectionism, excessive bodily concerns, and narcissism. Among the controls, the only elevated T score on the MMPI was the Masculinity-Femininity Scale, which is probably due to their high level of education. Further research on eating disorders among males is recommended to enhance our understanding of the psychological traits of this group, about which so little is known.