Eating disorders have long been thought of as affecting primarily females. Due to this, the majority of eating disorder assessment tools have been developed and validated for females. In completing a thorough literature review, it was shown that eating disorders present differently in males and females. This research focused on exploring eating disorders in men, examined current eating disorder instruments and investigated the necessity to develop a male specific eating disorder assessment tool.

This study focused on the most commonly used eating disorder assessment tool, the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the preliminary Eating Disorder Assessment for Men (EDAM). These assessment tools were examined to investigate predictability in males and the extent they differentiated between men and women. Specific scales of the EDI-3 and total scores for each instrument were assessed in a sample of 109 males and females from residential treatment facilities.

Research questions assessing utility of the EDI-3 determined that the overall EDRC was able to correctly predict eating disorders in men and demonstrated the ability to significantly differentiate between males and females with eating disorders. Results from an examination of the subscales of the EDI-3 differed. The Drive for Thinness subscale correctly predicted eating disorders in men, however, the scores for females were significantly higher than scores for males with eating disorders. The Bulimia subscale demonstrated predictability, however, there was not a significant difference in genders. Results from the Body Dissatisfaction scale were particularly interesting; it was unable to correctly predict eating disorders in men, indicating that the items were not capturing the construct of body dissatisfaction in men. Furthermore, it was shown that women with eating disorders scored significantly higher than men. Results determine that the EDAM was able to correctly predict eating disorders in men and was also able to show significant differences on items measuring presentation, symptoms and drives behind eating disorders.

Results support the hypothesis that eating disorders are significantly different in men and women, providing evidence that there is a need to develop a valid and reliable eating disorder assessment tool for men. Implications of this research have the potential to effect change in various settings. Fostering awareness of the unique needs of males with eating disorders will engender improvement throughout the clinical community. These improvements will lead to more comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and efficacious treatment of men with eating disorders.