How to promote therapy-seeking for men with binge-spectrum eating disorders: a qualitative study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Most men with binge-spectrum eating disorders (BSEDs) never receive psychological treatment for their conditions, and research on BSEDs typically includes disproportionately low numbers of men. Qualitative information is needed to shape the development of messaging strategies to engage this population in both treatment and research. Fifteen men (53% White, 80% heterosexual, age range 26–69) who had never gone to therapy for their BSEDs provided semi-structured qualitative feedback about strategies to engage men like them in psychological treatment for and research about BSEDs. Reflexive thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) Serious messages convey the seriousness of BSEDs (2). The ideal message would be simple and relatable and persuade men that seeking therapy makes them more manly, not less (3). Men’s intersectional identities shape their reasons for not pursuing therapy (4). Men expressed spontaneous excitement about a messaging campaign to raise awareness of disordered eating in men. These findings demonstrate that no single messaging strategy will appeal to all men. Nonetheless, all men expressed enthusiasm for targeted campaigns that promote the entry of more men into psychological treatment for their BSEDs. Researchers and clinicians could use these findings to increase men’s uptake of BSED treatment. Many men struggle with binge eating, meaning that at times, they lose control over their eating, eat more than most people would under the same circumstances, and experience strong negative emotions about how they eat. Most men who struggle with binge eating never receive medical or psychological treatment for it. In this study, men with high levels of binge eating described how healthcare professionals could encourage men in their situation to seek psychotherapy. They emphasized that messaging promoting treatment would need to be simple, relatable, and aligned with their views of themselves as men. They also stated that such messaging would need to convey the seriousness of the health consequences of binge eating. The men in this study recognized the need to raise awareness of binge eating in men. These findings can help researchers, therapists, and other healthcare providers tailor their messaging for men who experience frequent binge eating but might not realize that they could benefit from proven medical treatments.
Source: Journal of Eating Disorders
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,190
OpenAlex ID: W7135186048