“It’s a Touchy Subject”: Service Providers’ Perspectives of Eating Disorders in Men and Boys

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions and experiences of providers of eating disorder services towards men to understand the challenges and barriers experienced by both professionals and patients in addressing the gender bias within this field. A total of 21 professionals took part in the study. Using interviews and focus groups, the study explored service providers’ experience, understanding and knowledge in working with men with eating disorders using thematic analysis. Findings suggest that the growing issue of eating disorders affecting men, while a serious concern for practitioners, remains a ‘touchy subject’, a difficult and sometimes even uncomfortable topic for service providers to tackle. These findings provide insight into the challenges and barriers faced by professionals and men seeking help or treatment for an eating disorder and highlights the need for targeted training and resources to improve the eating disorders health literacy of service providers in relation to men’s experiences.