Body Disapproval and Eating Disordered Behavior in Male Youth Adjudicated for Sexual Versus Non-Sexual Crimes

Background: The prevalence of body disapproval (BD) and eating disordered behavior (EDB) is increasing among male youth in the U.S. BD and EDB have negative consequences among male youth including substance abuse, mental health problems, and suicidal ideation. Previous studies have provided evidence of the presence of BD and EDB among adjudicated adolescent male sex offenders. In addition, researchers have linked BD to characteristics of sexually aggressive behaviors, including victim’s age. However, research has not yet examined the prevalence rates and risk factors of BD and EDB among adjudicated male youth in the U.S. This study investigated the prevalence rates and correlates/predictors of BD and EDB among male youth adjudicated for both sexual and non-sexual crimes.

Methods: Cross-sectional design was used. All adjudicated male youth living at six residential facilities in a single Midwestern state were invited to participate the study. Data were collected from 696 adjudicated male youth. Of the 696 participants, 75.6% were adjudicated for sexual offenses, and 24.4% were adjudicated for non-sexual crimes. Measures included the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (subscales on eating dysfunction, body disapproval, and substance abuse proneness) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Participant demographic information and information about pornography exposure were also collected.

Descriptive analyses were performed to explore the prevalence rates of BD and EDB in this sample. Multiple ordinary-least-squares regression analyses were conducted to predict the effects of reason for adjudication (e.g., sexual crimes vs. non-sexual crimes), childhood sexual abuse, exposure to pornography, and substance abuse on BD and EDB. Hierarchical multiple regression was performed to examine whether reason for adjudication made a significant contribution to the variation in BD and EDB in this sample when controlling for all other factors.

Results: A total of 15.5% (n = 87) of the sample had BD scores that were either concerning, clinically important, or severe. Furthermore, 7.8% (n = 44) of the sample had EDB scores that were either concerning, clinically important, or severe. The results of multiple regression indicated that reason for adjudication, pornography exposure, and substance abuse were significantly related to BD (p < .05) and EDB (p < .05) among this sample. Childhood sexual abuse was a significant predictor of BD (p < .05), but was not a significant predictor of EDB. Finally, the results of hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that the reasons for adjudication explained a significant additional amount of variance of BD and EDB, as indicated by a significant incremental R² (p < .05).

Conclusion and Implications: Findings suggest that BD and EDB are prevalent among adjudicated male youth. Male youth adjudicated for sexual crimes have significantly more severe BD and EDB compared to male youth adjudicated for non-sexual crimes. Future research on risk mechanisms of BD and EDB among adjudicated adolescent males, particularly male youth who sexually offend, is needed. In addition, incorporation screening on BD and EDB followed by appropriate treatment may be useful for adjudicated male youth. Predictors/correlates of BD and EDB identified will be discussed in detail, including further implications for research and treatment.