Gender differences in the attribution of stigma to individuals with Anorexia Nervosa: a grounded theory exploration
Date
2013
Authors
Anderson, Janean M., author
Rickard, Kathryn, advisor
Benn, Mark, committee member
Davalos, Deana, committee member
Anderson, Sharon, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Eating disorder research has minimally examined how eating disorders affect men and women differently, how individuals with eating disorders are perceived by others, and barriers to seeking treatment that individuals with eating disorders face (Corrigan, 1998; Crisp, 2005;). However, it is unknown how men and women may uniquely experience the stigma associated with eating disorders. Moreover, the complex relationship between gender and stigma are unknown. Examination of gender's impact on eating disorders needs to expand beyond research that examines gender only in the context of self-reported gender role orientation and eating disorder symptoms to include how gender creates norms and attitudes which affect those with eating disorders. Specifically, there is a dearth of literature regarding how stigma for men with eating disorders is different than it is for women with eating disorders. This study attempted to describe the phenomenon of gender-specific stigma in Anorexia Nervosa.