Rethinking Eating Pathology: Shifting the Focus from Gender to Body Ideals
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Authors
Lee, Mikyung
Date
2024-12-13
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Body image , Eating pathology , Body ideal , Gender , SATAQ-4R
Alternative Title
Abstract
Traditional understandings of eating pathology (EP) have been constrained by stereotypes framining EP as a gendered phenomenon, predominantly shaped by years of research on body ideals based on gender—thinness for women and muscularity for men. This has led to a focus on gender and gender-typical body ideals in the development of EP-related etiological models such as the tripartite influence model. This thesis challenges the conventional exploration of EP based on gender and gender-typical body ideals. Instead, it explores EP based on body ideals without explicitly linking these ideals to any specific gender.
Manuscript 1 reviewed the operationalization of intersectionality in EP research and noted limited theoretical engagement, gender binarism, and lack of incorporation of diverse identities and systems of oppression in intersectionality-informed EP studies.
Manuscript 2 developed questionnaire items that assess body ideals while avoiding traditional gender stereotypes. The first item assesses body ideals with gender-neutral response options alongside binary gender-specific terms in brackets for clarity. The second item focuses on thin and muscular body ideals to generate data comparable to existing EP measures, which was used in Manuscripts 3 and 4.
Manuscript 3 assessed the psychometric properties of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 Revised (SATAQ-4R) among thin- and muscular-oriented young adults in Canada. Results demonstrated robust validity and reliability of the SATAQ-4R in our samples.
Manuscript 4 tested the tripartite influence model of EP among thin- and muscular-oriented young adults in Canada while incorporating gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and perceived weight status in the model. The models for both samples demonstrated acceptable-to-good fit, supported the categorization of individuals based on body ideals in understanding EP and provided partial support for the inclusion of social identities in the model.
This thesis challenges the traditional focus on gender and gender-typical body ideals in EP research. Future research should aim to incorporate larger and diverse samples regarding gender and body ideals. Furthermore, examining intersections among social identities within the tripartite influence model will be crucial for better understanding of how multiple intersecting identities shape EP within the model.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International