K Heffernan1. 1. Rutgers University Eating Disorders Clinic, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study estimated rates of bulimia nervosa and binge eating, and assessed risk factors among 203 lesbians. METHOD: Participants completed questionnaires containing measures addressing lifestyle, self-esteem, body esteem, attitudes about attractiveness, and disordered eating. RESULTS: The rate of bulimia nervosa among lesbians was similar to that of heterosexual women, but binge eating disorder was more frequent. Eating as negative affect regulation was a more significant predictor of binge eating than body dissatisfaction or dieting. Lesbians were not significantly different from heterosexual women in attitudes concerning weight and appearance, or dieting. Self-esteem was significantly related to body esteem, and actual-ideal weight discrepancy was associated with body dissatisfaction, suggesting that lesbians are not immune from the effects of not meeting societal ideals of thinness. Increased lesbian/gay involvement was associated with lower weight concern. DISCUSSION: Implications for models of risk for eating disorders, and understanding the experience of lesbians, are discussed.
OBJECTIVE: This study estimated rates of bulimia nervosa and binge eating, and assessed risk factors among 203 lesbians. METHOD:Participants completed questionnaires containing measures addressing lifestyle, self-esteem, body esteem, attitudes about attractiveness, and disordered eating. RESULTS: The rate of bulimia nervosa among lesbians was similar to that of heterosexual women, but binge eating disorder was more frequent. Eating as negative affect regulation was a more significant predictor of binge eating than body dissatisfaction or dieting. Lesbians were not significantly different from heterosexual women in attitudes concerning weight and appearance, or dieting. Self-esteem was significantly related to body esteem, and actual-ideal weight discrepancy was associated with body dissatisfaction, suggesting that lesbians are not immune from the effects of not meeting societal ideals of thinness. Increased lesbian/gay involvement was associated with lower weight concern. DISCUSSION: Implications for models of risk for eating disorders, and understanding the experience of lesbians, are discussed.