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This article explores developmental interactions and interdependencies among three discourses informing subjective experiences and clinical responses to anorexia in adolescent men: hegemonic masculinity; narratives of adolescent development; and the "nature" of anorexia-a female phenomenon. Whilst social discourses prescribe qualities, actions and attitudes determining the nature of hegemonic masculinity, a diagnosis of anorexia presents a challenge to constructs of masculine subjectivities. The intention of this article is to enhance understandings of ways these discourses offer synchronized voices to young men for construction of their subjectivities. Drawing on acts of avoidance, compulsiveness and suppression of emotions, not only provides marginalized sanctuaries of safety and self-protection from threats of pubertal changes, but also predisposes some men to simultaneously embrace behavior patterns offered by anorexia.
Keywords: adolescent men, masculinity, anorexia nervosa, construction of subjectivity
The identification of a specific cause or of causes of anorexia nervosa has eluded researchers for over a hundred years. The aetiology of anorexia nervosa is still not fully understood. Current models tend to emphasize its multifactorial origin, coupled with multiple determinants and risk factors and their interactions within a developmental framework (Hepworth, 1999; Malson, 1998). In this article the exploration of a triangulated assemblage of discourses for men in relationship with anorexia is not meant to be a contribution to aetiological knowledge-its aim is to draw out suggestions that can facilitate discussions, thus enhancing possible understandings about men's early developmental relationship with anorexia, and supporting their efforts to negotiate preferred identities.
This article is an effort to address the significant lack of research and writings in regard to men in relationship with anorexia nervosa. It explores a triangulated, interdependent assemblage of dominant interactive discourses in regard to adolescent men's early experiences of the voices of anorexia nervosa. First, the nature and power of constructs of hegemonic masculinity, and its effects, are explored; then anorexia nervosa as a psychomedical, internalised female phenomenon is discussed; finally the possible significance of the interactions of puberty, with its forces of hegemonic masculinity, and the power and demands of the voices of anorexia nervosa are examined. The intention is to suggest interdependencies, interactions and formative processes of these discourses, and how they can affect adolescent men's experiences of their relationship with anorexia nervosa. The hope is to facilitate...