Filling the Gaps in Disordered Eating Research (GD2022)

About Team United

Team UNITED aims to research the disparity of diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders in communities that are historically left out of the literature. There is a lack of literature 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, leaving out a significant amount of those who are affected by this issue out.

There are also disparities among the treatments offered to certain populations and these disparities are further reflected in the internal attitudes held by many towards seeking help. The connection between these attitudes and the actual likelihood of help-seeking behavior 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 two phases:

1.  A quantitative survey to assess how perceptions of how disordered eating in men impact help-seeking behaviors.
2.  Qualitative in-depth interviews with select participants to gather more specific data.

The goal is to contribute to the literature on this topic, as well as inform a mitigation strategy/prevention technique that reaches all communities rather than those that have been repeatedly targeted by prevention campaigns in the past. Going forward, our research seeks to expand how eating disorders in underrepresented communities, including men, are understood. 

Why help us?

A fundamental step in alleviating the impact that eating disorders has had on our society is having knowledge and information. While one of Team UNITED's main goals is to contribute more literature to this issue, we are ultimately wanting to increase awareness about eating disorders and eliminating its stigma. With you contribution, we will be able to change the narrative and dismantle health inequities.

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.