Sex differences in beliefs about bulimia nervosa

Objective This study aimed to examine sex differences in young people’s beliefs about the causes and characteristics of, as well as treatment for, bulimia nervosa. Method Participants (100 male, 102 female) completed a four part questionnaire adapted from other studies. Results There were sex differences on about a third of the attitude statements particularly about the cure for bulimia nervosa. A factor analysis of each section revealed six to seven interpretable factors per issue. An analysis of the factor scores showed few significant sex differences but most for the characteristics displayed by bulimics. Factors from the different sections of the questionnaire were logically related. Discussion There were some sex differences on beliefs about key cognitive and physical characteristics of the disorder as well as the importance of specialist interventions for the disorder. Females more than males endorsed the importance of specialist professional help over selfhelp interventions. Overall this sample seemed well informed about bulimia nervosa.