Ryan J Watson1, Jaimie F Veale2, Elizabeth M Saewyc3. 1. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. 2. University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. 3. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Research has documented high rates of disordered eating for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, but prevalence and patterns of disordered eating among transgender youth remain unexplored. This is despite unique challenges faced by this group, including gender-related body image and the use of hormones. We explore the relationship between disordered eating and risk and protective factors for transgender youth. METHODS: An online survey of 923 transgender youth (aged 14-25) across Canada was conducted, primarily using measures from existing youth health surveys. Analyses were stratified by gender identity and included logistic regressions with probability profiles to illustrate combinations of risk and protective factors for eating disordered behaviors. RESULTS: Enacted stigma (the higher rates of harassment and discrimination sexual minority youth experience) was linked to higher odds of reported past year binge eating and fasting or vomiting to lose weight, while protective factors, including family connectedness, school connectedness, caring friends, and social support, were linked to lower odds of past year disordered eating. Youth with the highest levels of enacted stigma and no protective factors had high probabilities of past year eating disordered behaviors. DISCUSSION: Our study found high prevalence of disorders. Risk for these behaviors was linked to stigma and violence exposure, but offset by social supports. Health professionals should assess transgender youth for disordered eating behaviors and supportive resources.
PURPOSE: Research has documented high rates of disordered eating for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, but prevalence and patterns of disordered eating among transgender youth remain unexplored. This is despite unique challenges faced by this group, including gender-related body image and the use of hormones. We explore the relationship between disordered eating and risk and protective factors for transgender youth. METHODS: An online survey of 923 transgender youth (aged 14-25) across Canada was conducted, primarily using measures from existing youth health surveys. Analyses were stratified by gender identity and included logistic regressions with probability profiles to illustrate combinations of risk and protective factors for eating disordered behaviors. RESULTS: Enacted stigma (the higher rates of harassment and discrimination sexual minority youth experience) was linked to higher odds of reported past year binge eating and fasting or vomiting to lose weight, while protective factors, including family connectedness, school connectedness, caring friends, and social support, were linked to lower odds of past year disordered eating. Youth with the highest levels of enacted stigma and no protective factors had high probabilities of past year eating disordered behaviors. DISCUSSION: Our study found high prevalence of disorders. Risk for these behaviors was linked to stigma and violence exposure, but offset by social supports. Health professionals should assess transgender youth for disordered eating behaviors and supportive resources.
Authors: Terryann C Clark; Mathijs F G Lucassen; Pat Bullen; Simon J Denny; Theresa M Fleming; Elizabeth M Robinson; Fiona V Rossen Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2014-01-14 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: S Bryn Austin; Lauren A Nelson; Michelle A Birkett; Jerel P Calzo; Bethany Everett Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2012-12-13 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: S Bryn Austin; Najat J Ziyadeh; Heather L Corliss; Margaret Rosario; David Wypij; Jess Haines; Carlos A Camargo; Alison E Field Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2009-05-09 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Elizabeth M Saewyc; Yuko Homma; Carol L Skay; Linda H Bearinger; Michael D Resnick; Elizabeth Reis Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2008-11-13 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Katherine Schaumberg; Elisabeth Welch; Lauren Breithaupt; Christopher Hübel; Jessica H Baker; Melissa A Munn-Chernoff; Zeynep Yilmaz; Stefan Ehrlich; Linda Mustelin; Ata Ghaderi; Andrew J Hardaway; Emily C Bulik-Sullivan; Anna M Hedman; Andreas Jangmo; Ida A K Nilsson; Camilla Wiklund; Shuyang Yao; Maria Seidel; Cynthia M Bulik Journal: Eur Eat Disord Rev Date: 2017-10-02
Authors: Jason M Nagata; Stuart B Murray; Emilio J Compte; Erica H Pak; Rebecca Schauer; Annesa Flentje; Matthew R Capriotti; Micah E Lubensky; Mitchell R Lunn; Juno Obedin-Maliver Journal: Eat Behav Date: 2020-03-27
Authors: Marita Cooper; Erin E Reilly; Jaclyn A Siegel; Kathryn Coniglio; Shiri Sadeh-Sharvit; Emily M Pisetsky; Lisa M Anderson Journal: Eat Disord Date: 2020-07-09 Impact factor: 3.222