Transcript Lecture59

Psychology 320:
Psychology of Gender
and Sex Differences
Lecture 59
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Office Hour Invitations
March 22nd, 1:30-2:30, Kenny 2517
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Reminder: CSL Submissions
Last date for submission of AL journal entries:
Students at Beauty Night, HIM, LEAF, QMUNITY: March 29.
Students at YWCA: April 19.
End of placement paper due date:
Students at Beauty Night, HIM, LEAF, QMUNITY: April 5.
Students at YWCA: April 25.
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Mental Health:
1. Are there sex differences in eating disorders?
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By the end of today’s class, you should be able to:
1. list the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa and
bulimia nervosa.
2. discuss sex differences in rates of anorexia nervosa
and bulimia nervosa.
3. identify risk factors for eating disorders.
4. describe body dysmorphia and muscle dysmorphia.
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Are there sex differences in eating disorders?
• The DSM-IV-TR distinguishes between two eating
disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A
third category is included in the DSM-IV-TR: “Eating
Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.”
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Anorexia Nervosa
 Characterized by:
(a) refusal to maintain body weight at or above a
minimally normal weight for age and height (i.e., less
than 85% of what is expected).
(b) intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.
(c) disturbance in the way one experiences one’s weight
or shape, undue influence of weight or shape on selfevaluation, or denial of seriousness of low weight.
(d) amenorrhea (in females).
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 Afflicts 0.5% of females and 0.05% of males.
 Typical onset is in early to late adolescence (14-18
years of age).
 Results in damage to the bones, muscles, heart,
kidneys, intestines, and brain.
 Mortality rate: 5-15% (Brown, Mehler, & Harris, 2000).
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Bulimia Nervosa
 Characterized by:
(a) recurrent episodes of binge eating.
(b) recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviour in
order to prevent weight gain (e.g., self-induced
vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas;
fasting; excessive exercise).
(c) binge eating and compensatory behaviour occur, on
average, at least twice a week for 3 months.
(d) undue influence of weight or shape on self-evaluation.
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 Afflicts 1-3% of females and .2% of males.
 Typical onset is in late adolescence to early adulthood.
 Results in damage to the muscles, heart, intestines,
stomach, mouth, throat, and esophagus.
 Mortality rate: 3.9% (Crow et al., 2009).
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• Males and females with eating disorders have a similar
age of onset and exhibit similar symptoms.
• The etiology of eating disorders is unclear. However,
several “risk factors” have been identified:
1. Genes
 Twin studies suggest that eating disorders are
heritable (heritability statistic for anorexia: .58-.76; for
bulimia: .54-.83; Klump et al., 2001).
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2. Demographic Factors
 Eating disorders are more prevalent among people
of European descent (vs. people of African
American descent); dancers, actors, models, and
athletes; and members of sexual minority groups
(e.g., gay males; Helgeson, 2009).
 There is no clear evidence linking socioeconomic
status and education level to eating disorders
(Striegel-Moore & Cachelin, 1999).
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3. Female Gender Role
 The female gender role emphasizes: (a) physical
attractiveness and (b) concern for others’ opinions.
 Although communion is not correlated with disturbed
eating (Hepp et al., 2005), unmitigated communion
is a risk factor for eating disorders (Helgeson, 2007;
Lakkis et al., 1999).
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4. Psychological Factors
 Eating disorders are associated with a lack of
autonomy, a lack of control, a lack of self-esteem,
strivings for perfection and achievement,
depression, and anxiety.
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5. Societal Factors
 Parental pressure, peer pressure, and media have
been linked to eating disorders in both sexes.
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Body Dysmorphia
Among Females
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Muscle Dysmorphia
Among Males
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Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo Dolls
1978 (Left), 1998 (Right)
Pope et al. (1999)
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Mental Health:
1. Are there sex differences in eating disorders?
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