"The male elephant in the room": a qualitative evidence synthesis exploring male experiences of eating disorders.
"The male elephant in the room": a qualitative evidence synthesis exploring male experiences of eating disorders.
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DOI：
10.1186/s40337-022-00614-w
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发表时间：
2022-09-02
影响因子：
4.1
通讯作者：
Johnson, George
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Coopey, Emily;Johnson, George
Men are believed to be underrepresented in eating disorder services; there are many reasons presented to account for this such as a lack of recognition and detection. Due to the physical and psychological complexity of an eating disorder it is important to understand this underrepresentation. This qualitative evidence synthesis aimed to explore the literature relating to men’s experiences of an eating disorder, in order to synthesise the findings and offer a more coherent understanding. A systematic search of the literature was undertaken. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the findings resulting in 14 papers deemed suitable for inclusion. A Meta-Ethnographic approach to synthesising the data of the 89 participants was undertaken. Four themes were identified: ‘Societal Construction of the Perfect Male’; ‘Striving to Maintain a Masculine Identity’; ‘The Interconnectedness of Control and Self-Worth’, and ‘The Hidden Man’. There appeared to be an underlying concept relating to the conflict of being a man, with what is perceived to be a ‘woman’s illness’ and how this challenged the men’s experiences of masculinity. Being a man with an eating disorder conflicted with societal norms, exacerbating their experience of having an eating disorder.. To resolve this, gendered norms need to shift, at societal level as well as considering how best to improve understanding and recognition of men with an eating disorder at the first point of help seeking. Men are underrepresented in eating disorder (ED) services; are less likely to notice symptoms of an ED, and have this identified by professionals. To date, there has been limited research into the male experience of ED’s and this appears to be related to a difficulty with getting men involved in studies, as well as the lack of men in services. This review synthesised the existing literature, and four themes were generated: ‘Societal Construction of the Perfect Male’; ‘Striving to Maintain a Masculine Identity’; ‘The Interconnectedness of Control and Self-Worth’, and ‘The Hidden Man’. The results highlighted that the male experience is complex and influenced by societal assumptions and gender norms. EDs are predominately seen as a ‘women’s illness’, which affected the male experience in many ways but most importantly it prevented help seeking and recognition of eating disorders in men, arguably impacting their access to treatment. It is important to change the expectations we place upon men; enabling them to ask for help when needed in ways we allow women. Addressing societal pressures, combined with targeted training to improve understanding at the first point of seeking help, ensuring appropriate recognition of an ED and timely intervention for men.
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影响因子：
5.5
作者：
Griffiths, Scott;Mond, Jonathan M.;Touyz, Stephen
通讯作者：
Touyz, Stephen
影响因子：
3.8
作者：
Epstein, Marina;Ward, L. Monique
通讯作者：
Ward, L. Monique
DOI：
10.1177/1078390319849106
发表时间：
2020-07-01
影响因子：
2
作者：
Eaton, Carrie Morgan
通讯作者：
Eaton, Carrie Morgan
影响因子：
5.2
作者：
Griffiths, Scott;Murray, Stuart B.;Touyz, Stephen
通讯作者：
Touyz, Stephen
影响因子：
5.5
作者：
Griffiths, Scott;Mond, Jonathan M.;Touyz, Stephen
通讯作者：
Touyz, Stephen