Mediation of gender role conflict and eating pathology in gay men

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.