Femininity and Eating Disorders

Findings indicate the Thinness subscale of the CFNI predicted significant portions of the variance in ED symptomatology.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine conformity to traditional feminine norms as a predictor of eating disorder (ED) symptomatology. Eight subscales of the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory (CFNI) were examined as predictors of ED symptomatology as assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Findings indicate the Thinness subscale of the CFNI predicted significant portions of the variance in ED symptomatology. Contrary to the findings of Mahalik and colleagues (2005), no other CFNI subscales predicted ED symptoms. Implications for the femininity theory of EDs are discussed.