Navigating Treatment: A Framework Analysis of Perspectives of Male Adolescents With Disordered Eating in Clinical Settings

Byrne, SE; Casey, LJ; McAloon, J

Navigating Treatment: A Framework Analysis of Perspectives of Male Adolescents With Disordered Eating in Clinical Settings

Byrne, SE Casey, LJ McAloon, J

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Publisher:: AMER PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOC
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Qualitative Psychology, 2024, 11, (3), pp. 328-347
Issue Date:: 2024-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Byrne, SE
dc.contributor.author	Casey, LJ
dc.contributor.author	McAloon, J
dc.date.accessioned	2025-01-02T00:39:55Z
dc.date.available	2025-01-02T00:39:55Z
dc.date.issued	2024-01-01
dc.identifier.citation	Qualitative Psychology, 2024, 11, (3), pp. 328-347
dc.identifier.issn	2326-3601
dc.identifier.issn	2326-3598
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/182776
dc.description.abstract	Despite an increase in the number of male adolescents experiencing disordered eating, the number entering treatment remains low. Accordingly, significant gaps continue to exist in our understanding of male adolescents’ experience within treatment. This may result from limitations in the amount of research undertaken in the area; however, it may also result from the continued influence of established theoretical models of disordered eating. While models such as Fairburn et al.’s (2003) transdiagnostic model of eating disorders have been foundational in the classification, assessment, and treatment of disordered eating, they may also have inadvertently skewed perceptions of adolescent eating disorders. Evidence suggests that the traditional focus on a “thin” body ideal may apply more to females than males. By contrast, male adolescents may pursue a larger body with increased emphasis on muscularity and, therefore, weight gain. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of 10 male adolescents aged between 13 and 19 years who were undergoing treatment for eating disorders. The study explored participants’ diagnosis and treatment experiences using a demographic survey and semistructured interview. Framework analysis revealed five eating disorder themes and 11 subthemes. These may assist our understanding of male adolescents’ experience of eating disorders, their identification, diagnosis, and treatment. The findings highlight the influence of current theoretical models with respect to diagnostic labeling and individualized treatment approaches. They underscore the importance of the client–psychologist connection and the stigma and isolation that male adolescents may experience prior to and during treatment for eating disorders.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	AMER PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOC
dc.relation.ispartof	Qualitative Psychology
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1037/qup0000299
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Navigating Treatment: A Framework Analysis of Perspectives of Male Adolescents With Disordered Eating in Clinical Settings
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	11
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health/GSH.Clinical Psychology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/The Kidman Centre (TKC)
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2025-01-02T00:39:54Z
pubs.issue	3
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	11
utslib.citation.issue	3

Abstract:

Despite an increase in the number of male adolescents experiencing disordered eating, the number entering treatment remains low. Accordingly, significant gaps continue to exist in our understanding of male adolescents’ experience within treatment. This may result from limitations in the amount of research undertaken in the area; however, it may also result from the continued influence of established theoretical models of disordered eating. While models such as Fairburn et al.’s (2003) transdiagnostic model of eating disorders have been foundational in the classification, assessment, and treatment of disordered eating, they may also have inadvertently skewed perceptions of adolescent eating disorders. Evidence suggests that the traditional focus on a “thin” body ideal may apply more to females than males. By contrast, male adolescents may pursue a larger body with increased emphasis on muscularity and, therefore, weight gain. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of 10 male adolescents aged between 13 and 19 years who were undergoing treatment for eating disorders. The study explored participants’ diagnosis and treatment experiences using a demographic survey and semistructured interview. Framework analysis revealed five eating disorder themes and 11 subthemes. These may assist our understanding of male adolescents’ experience of eating disorders, their identification, diagnosis, and treatment. The findings highlight the influence of current theoretical models with respect to diagnostic labeling and individualized treatment approaches. They underscore the importance of the client–psychologist connection and the stigma and isolation that male adolescents may experience prior to and during treatment for eating disorders.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/182776