WOMEN, SEX, AND FOOD - A REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON EATING DISORDERS AND SEXUALITY

There has long been a proposed link between sexuality and eating disor ders. However, the empirical research on the potential relationship be tween sexual functioning and disordered eating generally has been unfo cused and of relatively poor quality. In the current article I review research on relationships between eating disorders (anorexia nervosa a nd bulimia nervosa) and sexual attitudes and experience among women, i ncluding the sexual functioning of women who have been treated for an eating disorder. After drawing some limited conclusions from past rese arch, I discuss several potentially important mediating variables that may explain observed relationships between disordered eating and sexu ality These potential mediating variables include certain personality characteristics, negative body image, early familial experiences, and history of sexual trauma. I conclude with criticism of past research a nd offer suggestions for future investigation.