Using eating disorder and body image assessment questionnaires with boys/men

The use of assessment questionnaires that demonstrate reliability and validity when used with particular groups of respondents is crucial for both research and clinical activities. Many traditional eating disorder questionnaires were developed based on theories and observations regarding the nature of symptoms as they typically present in girls/women (i.e., focused on attitudes and behaviors consistent with the drive for thinness, fear of weight gain, etc.). As such, some questionnaires may not adequately address the full spectrum of eating disorder symptoms that can manifest in boys and men, particularly those related to muscularity-oriented attitudes and behaviors. Other more recently created questionnaires have been more conceptually and methodologically inclusive of boys/men in the measurement development process. Importantly, all questionnaires have some advantages and disadvantages. As such, the process of selecting a questionnaire to assess eating disorder symptoms and related constructs (e.g., body image, pathological exercise) in boys/men should be guided by the specific context of use (e.g., research, clinical) and a variety of conceptual, methodological, and pragmatic considerations. Further empirical work is needed to evaluate existing questionnaires in clinical samples and in more diverse samples of boys/men (e.g., ethnic/racial minorities, sexual and gender minorities, youth and older men).