The Association of Relationship Status and Sex-Life Satisfaction With Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Muscularity in Male Weight-Lifters.

Catharina Schneider,Julia Bartuschka,Martin Voracek,Kristina Hennig-Fast

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02759

Catharina Schneider, Julia Bartuschka + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02759

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Abstract

Relationship status and sexuality are linked to body image concerns, but research on the connection to men’s drive for muscularity (DfM) is scarce. Extreme DfM can lead to a pathological preoccupation with muscularity and problematic eating/exercising behavior. This study investigated the relation of relationship status, relationship duration, and satisfaction with sex-life in weight-lifting men via an online survey (N = 270). Using cross-sectional data, we found that single weight-lifting men and those dissatisfied with their sex-life were more dissatisfied with their muscularity and showed stronger DfM than those in a relationship and satisfied men. Longer relationship duration was associated with less dissatisfaction with muscularity and less DfM while relationship satisfaction was not. Thus, being in a relationship and sexual satisfaction are related to less body dissatisfaction and DfM. Further research should use dyadic study designs to investigate both partners exercising and eating behavior in relation to each other.

Highlights

Body dissatisfaction and drive for muscularity (DfM) in men represent a relatively recent field of study
We found no significant correlations between relationship satisfaction and body dissatisfaction or the DfM subscales
Singles were more dissatisfied with their muscularity and showed more muscularityrelated attitudes than those in relationships, while muscularityrelated behavior and dissatisfaction with body fat could not differentiate between the groups

Summary

Introduction

Body dissatisfaction and drive for muscularity (DfM) in men represent a relatively recent field of study. Bodybuilding and weight-lifting men seem to be prone to be dissatisfied with their muscularity and show higher degrees of DfM than men not involved in these types of sports (Blouin and Goldfield, 1995). It seems self-evident that men participating in a sport that aims for muscles and strength display higher degrees in DfM. These higher degrees can go along with psychological problems, such as exercise dependence, the misuse of anabolic steroids, eating pathology, and low self-esteem (Chittester and Hausenblas, 2009)

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