Filling the Gaps in Disordered Eating Research

About Team United

Team UNITED is a junior research team part of the Gemstone Honors Program, our goal is to research the perceptions and attitudes toward disordered eating in men and communities that are historically left out of the literature. There is a severe gap in research on this topic among several groups, especially male-identifying individuals. Much of the current research and data that exists about the topic has a focus on young white women, which leaves out a significant portion of those who are affected by this disordered eating.

Disparities in accessibility to healthcare and treatments offered to specific populations further influence the internal attitudes held by many individuals toward seeking help. The connection between these attitudes and the likelihood of seeking help is defined by the concept of mental health literacy.

What is Team UNITED's plan?

The research in this project will include assessing and evaluating the different factors related to these inequities. Our project is composed of:

1.  A quantitative survey to assess how perceptions of disordered eating in men impact help-seeking behaviors.
2. Analyzing and compiling the data from our survey to provide statistics on perceptions of disordered eating in men.

It is our hope to contribute to the literature on this topic, as well as inform prevention techniques and mitigation strategies that can reach all communities and be accessible to those in need, especially individuals who may have been overlooked by historical research. Going forward, our research seeks to expand how eating disorders in underrepresented communities are understood.

Why help us?

A fundamental step in alleviating the impact that disordered eating has on our society is having knowledge and information. While one of Team UNITED's main goals is to contribute novel literature to this issue, we are ultimately aiming to increase awareness about disordered eating and eliminate stigma in marginalized communities. With your contribution, we will be able to change the narrative and dismantle health inequities that exist in society.

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.