This study examined the role of negative affect and social sensitivity in the relationship between gender role conflict and eating disorder symptomatology and body dissatisfaction. Participants were 228 gay men who responded to an online survey. Findings revealed that the combined effects of negative affect and social sensitivity mediated the relationships between gender role conflict and eating disorder symptomatology and body dissatisfaction. Additionally, independently both negative affect and social sensitivity were significant mediators when measuring eating disorder symptomatology. However, when examining body dissatisfaction, only social sensitivity served as a significant mediator. Results suggest the importance of addressing self-conceptions of gender and rejection sensitivity among gay men with body dissatisfaction and eating disturbances.

Recent data have suggested that lifetime prevalence rates of eating disorders in the United States are estimated at 8.7% (Hudson, Hiripi, Pope, & Kessler, 2007). Of these individuals, men make up 10% to 15% (Carlat & Camargo, 1991). Of those men who meet criteria for an eating disorder, gay or bisexual men constitute 10%–42% (Russell & Keel, 2002). In addition to higher rates of eating disorders, gay men also possess higher rates of body dissatisfaction compared with heterosexual men (Kimmel & Mahalik, 2005; Lakkis, Ricciardelli, & Williams, 1999; Meyer, Blissett, & Oldfield, 2001; Morrison, Morrison, & Sager, 2004; Russel & Keel, 2002; Strong, Singh, & Randall, 2000; Strong, Williamson, Netemeyer, & Geer, 2000). With estimates of base rates of male homosexuality ranging from 2.8% (Laumann, Gagnon, Michael, & Michaels, 1994) to 6% (Seidman & Rieder, 1994), it can be seen that gay men are well overrepresented in regard to eating disorder symptomatology and body dissatisfaction.

One explanation for increased levels of eating disorder symptomatology and body dissatisfaction is one’s gender role orientation (i.e., self-identified feminine and masculine attributes; Murnen & Smolak,...