Eating Disorders and Female Sexuality: Current Evidence-base and Future Implications

Abstract This study aimed to examine current scientific production regarding sexuality-related issues in the context of eating disorders (ED). Searches were performed on PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL and PsycINFO, including papers published between 2008 and 2018, using the following descriptors: eating disorders, femininity, sexuality and sexual behavior. Nineteen studies were selected. Findings were systematized into two main thematic categories and showed, in general, that femininity can be a risk factor to the development of ED. Studies indicated that endorsing a gender role that is socially considered discrepant from biological sex, despite feminine or masculine, is related to ED symptomatology. Moreover, body dissatisfaction is positively correlated to sexual dysfunction. Interventions targeting prevention of ED should include sexuality-related issues by approaching probable negative consequences of adhering to female gender role social requirements and stereotypes, especially those related to body weight and body shape.

摘要 本研究旨在考察进食障碍（eating disorders, ED）背景下与性相关议题的现有科学研究成果。研究在PubMed、LILACS、CINAHL及PsycINFO数据库中开展检索，纳入2008年至2018年发表的相关文献，检索词包括：进食障碍、女性气质、性与性行为。最终共纳入19项研究。研究结果被归纳为两大核心主题类别，总体显示女性气质可能是进食障碍发生的风险因素。研究表明，认同被社会认为与生理性别不符的性别角色（无论该角色偏向女性化或男性化），均与进食障碍症状存在关联。此外，身体不满与性功能障碍呈正相关。针对进食障碍的预防干预应纳入性相关议题，需探讨遵循女性性别角色的社会规范与刻板印象（尤其是与体重、体型相关的规范）可能带来的负面影响。