Eating-disordered behavior in males: The impact of adverse childhood experiences

Objective The authors examined the possibe relationship of childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, and dysfunctional family background and the risk for developing an eating disorder in adult males. Method: Several anonymous questionnaires were distributed to male university students. Results: Of the 301 men, 12 (4.0%) had experienced childhood sexual abuse, 11 (3.6%) had been victims of physical abuse, 79 (26.2%) reported an adverse family background, and 14 (4.6%) had an increased risk for developing an eating disorder. There were no significant differences in the risk for developing an eating disorder and in total EDI between victims and nonvictims, but a significantly increased risk for eating disorders in men with an adverse family background. Discussion: The findings suggest that long‐lasting negative familial relationships, particularly in connection with physically abusive experiences, may increase the risk for eating disorders. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 22: 131–138, 1997.