Em Jun Eng Mittertreiner
@unb.ca
Department of Psychology
University of New Brunswick
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Clinical Psychology
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Em J.E. Mittertreiner, Jennifer Couturier, Melissa Simone, Charlynn Small, Glenda Courtney-Martin, Lesley Moisey, Shirin Panahi, and Emilie Lacroix
Canadian Science Publishing
This paper provides an overview of topics discussed by clinicians and researchers invited to speak at the Canadian Nutrition Society's Thematic Conference 2023, which was centered on advances in research and practice in the assessment and treatment of disordered eating and eating disorders. Presenters emphasized the importance of understanding how systemic factors such as racism, weight stigma, and COVID-19 affect the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, and proposed strategies for addressing these inequities. In this paper, we provide actionable recommendations for clinicians working with individuals with eating disorders; professional development, cultural competence, and equitable assessment and treatment practices are discussed.
Em JE Mittertreiner, Elise Ng-Cordell, Alana J McVey, and Connor M Kerns
SAGE Publications
Research has increasingly focused on the intersection between gender diversity and autism. Understanding the foci, methods, and rigor of recent studies could help guide and maximize impact in this accelerating research area. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature on this topic published between 2018 and 2023. The search generated 1432 records after deduplication. Included studies ( N = 84) were of English language, featured original qualitative or quantitative findings, and examined a psychosocial connection between autism and gender spectra variables. Autism prevalence among gender-diverse people was the most-studied sub-topic. Methodological rigor was acceptable overall; however, we identified recurrent threats to generalizability and validity, including inconsistent conceptualization of constructs (e.g. gender dysphoria), weak participant sampling and characterization, and reliance on unvalidated measures. Addressing these limitations and meaningfully engaging with community shareholders will be critical to enhancing the replicability and clinical impact of future research. Lay Abstract Research has increasingly focused on the intersection between gender diversity and autism. To better understand this literature, this scoping review systematically searched five databases for peer-reviewed literature on gender diversity and autism published between 2018 and 2023. Included studies ( N = 84) were of English language, featured original qualitative or quantitative findings, and examined a psychosocial connection between autism and gender spectra variables. Most studies focused on measuring prevalence of autism among gender-diverse individuals. While the overall study rigor was acceptable, weaknesses in measurement, sample selection, and definition of key terms were noted. Promisingly, studies in this area appear to be shifting away from a pathologizing lens and towards research methods that engage in meaningful collaboration with the autistic, gender-diverse community to investigate how to best enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of this population.
Em Jun Eng Mittertreiner, Abbey Hunter, and Emilie Lacroix
Frontiers Media SA
Dietitians working with gender-diverse people may require different skills and knowledge than those caring for cisgender men and women, as indicated by a growing body of literature that highlights gender-diverse people's unique experiences with and relationships to nutrition and eating behaviors. To provide insight into how dietitians can best serve this population, this mini review identifies and summarizes qualitative studies that investigate gender-diverse people's lived experiences and perspectives regarding nutrition, eating disorders, and access to eating-related healthcare services. Fourteen studies examining nutrition or eating behaviors among gender-diverse samples were selected through a systematic search and screening process: 11 focused on disordered eating or eating disorders and the remaining three focused on nutritional needs, nutritional knowledge, and food insecurity. Extracted themes included: using dietary restriction to suppress secondary sex characteristics or conform to societal norms; the impact of gender-affirming care on disordered eating; negative experiences with, and beliefs about, nutrition and eating disorders healthcare services; and suggestions for clinicians. Recommendations discuss the need for increased trans literacy among clinicians, the creation of safe spaces for gender-diverse people with eating disorders, and the importance of dual competencies in eating disorders treatment and gender-affirming care.
Melissa Vereschagin, Angel Y. Wang, Calista Leung, Chris G. Richardson, Kristen L. Hudec, Quynh Doan, Punit Virk, Priyanka Halli, Katharine D. Wojcik, Lonna Munro,et al.
Elsevier BV