The Strong, Silent Type(ology): Examining Intersections of Alexithymia and the Drive for Muscularity

Abstract

This study used latent profile analysis to explore the interrelations of drive for muscularity (DM) and alexithymia among 505 men. Four unique classes of men emerged: (1) low endorsement of DM and alexithymia, (2) moderate endorsement of alexithymia and DM, (3) moderate endorsement of alexithymia and high endorsement of attitudinal and behavioral DM, and (4) high endorsement of DM attitudes and alexithymia, and low endorsement of DM behaviors. We explored relations between class membership and avoidant attachment, social pressure to be muscular, help-seeking attitudes, and body appreciation, using Class 1 as the reference group. Alexithymia and attitudinal DM, in the absence of behavioral DM, appear to be a particularly unhealthful constellation of alexithymia and DM.