Men Writing Eating Disorders: Autobiographical Writing and Illness Experience in English and German Narratives

Eating disorders are complex issues that involve biology, medicine, culture, society, and politics. This book discusses eating, food, gender, sexuality, and mental health through analysis of published autobiographical narratives authored by men with experience of living with one of the main eating disorders. It offers new insights for readers interested in autobiography, illness narratives, Gender Studies, and Critical Masculinity Studies, and is valuable for healthcare professionals and clinical researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2020
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Eating disorders are complex issues that transcend the boundaries of biology, medicine, culture, society, and politics, resulting in diverse perspectives on their nature and treatment. This book aims to shed light on these issues by exploring the intersection of eating, food, gender, sexuality, and mental health through the analysis of published autobiographical narratives authored by men who have lived with one of the primary eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, as well as associated mental health conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder and depression. Written by a literary scholar, the book offers authoritative insights into the value of literary narratives for conducting qualitative research and providing training on the lived experience of eating disorders in men.

The book's transnational and comparative approach focuses on texts from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria, making it relevant to readers across the arts and humanities, as well as science disciplines. Its interdisciplinary approach provides fresh perspectives for those interested in autobiography, illness narratives, Gender Studies, and Critical Masculinity Studies. Furthermore, it is valuable for scholars exploring the interplay between the arts, humanities, and sciences within the emerging fields of Health Humanities and Medical Humanities, as well as healthcare professionals and clinical researchers who recognize the significance of personal narratives in training and practice.

By examining the experiences of men who have navigated these challenging conditions, this book contributes to a better understanding of eating disorders and their impact on individuals and society as a whole. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences of those affected by these disorders and provides valuable insights into the need for comprehensive and inclusive treatment approaches.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839099236