Impact of Relationship Status on the Association Between Sexual Orientation and Disordered Eating in Men

Sexual orientation has emerged as a consistent and specific risk factor for eating pathology in men, with bisexual and gay (BG) men having higher rates of eating pathology than heterosexual men. One theoretical explanation for this association posits that BG men may feel pressure to obtain a lean physique to attract a male partner, leaving them vulnerable to disordered eating. However, the related implication that being in a relationship should serve as a protective factor against eating pathology in BG men has not yet been examined. The current study utilized a community-based sample of BG (n=42) and heterosexual men (n=536) to examine whether relationship status and relationship satisfaction moderate the effect of sexual orientation on disordered eating in men. Single BG men had increased disordered eating compared to single heterosexual men, while no differences were found for BG and heterosexual men in relationships. Among men in relationships, satisfaction with that relationship was not related to disordered eating; instead dissatisfaction with friendships and, to a greater degree, work predict disordered eating for BG, but not heterosexual men, in relationships. Results imply that being in a relationship is a protective factor for disordered in BG men. Among men in relationships, satisfaction with friends and work are additional protective factors.