Muscularity Dissatisfaction Research Articles

Muscularity bias internalization moderates the associations of muscularity dissatisfaction with muscularity-oriented disordered eating and psychosocial well-being in men but not women

Prior research demonstrates positive associations between muscularity dissatisfaction and an array of negative health outcomes, including muscularity-oriented disordered eating, eating-related psychosocial impairment, and psychological distress. However, muscularity dissatisfaction differs by gender and is not always linked to these outcomes, indicating the existence of moderators of these associations. We proposed and examined muscularity bias internalization (MBI) as a moderator of these associations. The study included online samples of 450 Chinese men and 450 Chinese women who completed measures assessing MBI, muscularity dissatisfaction, muscularity-oriented disordered eating, eating-related psychosocial impairment, and psychological distress. Pearson correlation analyses examined the bivariate associations among study variables. Multiple linear regression analyses examined the moderating effects of MBI. Results revealed that both muscularity dissatisfaction and MBI were significantly and positively related to all outcome variables, except for a non-significant correlation between muscularity dissatisfaction and psychological distress in women. MBI was a significant moderator in men, not women, with muscularity dissatisfaction being more strongly and positively related to all outcome variables in men reporting higher MBI. Our study provides preliminary evidence supporting gender differences in the role of MBI in the associations of muscularity dissatisfaction with muscularity-oriented eating disorder psychopathology and psychosocial well-being.

Exploring the reciprocal relationships between body image flexibility and body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction: An 18-month longitudinal study in Chinese adolescents

Body image flexibility has shown robust negative associations with body dissatisfaction. However, research in this area is confined to cross-sectional studies on adults in Western cultural contexts. Responding to these gaps and the unique cultural nuances and increasing prevalence estimates of body dissatisfaction in China, we examined the bi-directional nature of body image flexibility and body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction in Chinese adolescent boys and girls (N = 1381, 57.3 % girls) at two points over 18 months (Wave [W] 1=baseline, W2=18 months later). We also explored sex differences in longitudinal models. In boys, higher W1 body image flexibility was associated with lower W2 body fat dissatisfaction, and higher W1 body fat dissatisfaction was associated with lower W2 body image flexibility. Null prospective associations between body image flexibility and muscularity dissatisfaction were identified in boys. In girls, higher W1 body fat and muscularity body dissatisfaction were associated with lower W2 body image flexibility. Higher W1 body image flexibility was associated with lower W2 body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction in girls. We found no significant sex differences in the models. Findings advance a multicultural understanding of the temporal and bi-directional links between body image flexibility and body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction in Chinese adolescents.

The Relationship Between Body Image Dissatisfaction, Psychopathological Symptoms, Social Comparisons With Peers and Celebrities, and Self-Compassion in Men.

This study aimed to further understand body image among men by examining differences in body dissatisfaction and physical appearance-related comparisons with peers and celebrities, self-compassion, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and explore the relationship between male body image dissatisfaction, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms. The sample comprised 220 Portuguese men aged 18-66 years old, mostly single (78.2%) and with a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 24.81. Participants completed online measures assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms, male body dissatisfaction, self-compassion, and social comparison disseminated through social media and online forums. No significant differences were found between the BMI groups regarding anxiety, depression, and self-compassion. Underweight and typical weight groups revealed significantly less male body dissatisfaction (body fat dimension). Participants in the obesity group revealed less positive social comparisons with peers and celebrities. Regression results showed that age, years of education, the muscularity dimension of the male body dissatisfaction, and self-compassion were significant predictors, accounting for 26% of depressive symptoms. Cultivating self-compassionate skills may be helpful for dealing with muscularity dissatisfaction, thus leading to less depressive symptoms.

Sociocultural influences on body image concerns in men of color – a structural equation modeling study

ABSTRACT Objective There is a noticeable underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) men in the existing empirical literature examining the sociocultural influences on body image concerns. To fill the gap, this study aimed to gain a better understanding of how sociocultural factors correlated with body dissatisfaction among BIPOC men living within the U.S. Design Structural equation modeling was used to address this gap by examining how multiple sociocultural factors – interpersonal appearance pressure, media appearance pressure, ethnic-racial identity attitudes (including ethnic-racial salience, stereotype endorsement, and nationalistic assimilation) and ethnic self-hatred towards one’s ethnic group – were linked to dissatisfaction with muscularity, body fat and height in a sample of 181 BIPOC men participants. Results The proposed cross-sectional path model achieved satisfactory model fit and explained 31.9% in muscularity dissatisfaction, 36.2% in body fat dissatisfaction, and 26.4% in height dissatisfaction. Among direct relationships, interpersonal appearance pressure emerged most prominently associated with height dissatisfaction, whereas media appearance pressure and ethnic self-hatred were more related to muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction. Regarding the mediation effects, media appearance pressure was found to partially mediate the relationship between interpersonal appearance pressure and body dissatisfaction, as well as the relationship between ethnic self-hatred and body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, ethnic self-hatred was found to be predicted by ethnic-racial identity attitudes. Conclusion This research profoundly expands our understanding of the ethnic and racial complexities surrounding body dissatisfaction among BIPOC men and encourages health practitioners to acknowledge the unique sociocultural and systemic dynamics (ethnic-racial identities and associated stressors) when working with BIPOC men who present with body image concerns.

Body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction are not prospectively associated with psychological wellbeing among sexual minority men: A case for separating within- and between-person variation in examinations of body image phenomena and their outcomes

Extensive cross-sectional research reports that body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction contribute to negative psychological outcomes among sexual minority men; however, longitudinal models are necessary for accurately quantifying the strength and direction of these relationships. We investigated the bidirectional longitudinal relationships of body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction with psychological quality of life among 2953 sexual minority men using random intercept cross-lagged panel models. Consistent with existing literature, we found that higher average muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction were associated with higher average psychological quality of life impairment between-persons. Unexpectedly, these constructs were not significantly associated within-persons/longitudinally. These findings conflict existing literature’s conclusions that muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction consistently contribute to poorer psychological wellbeing in this population. A significant between-person relationship in the absence of within-person relationships suggests that intermediary constructs (e.g., body ideal internalization) may account for the between-person effects of muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction on psychological wellbeing. Future research can accurately estimate these effects and identify reliable intervention targets by ensuring that within- and between-person relationships are examined separately, rather than being conflated.

Tackling bisexual erasure: An explorative comparison of bisexual, gay and straight cisgender men’s body image

Previous body image research often grouped both gay and bisexual men into a single category: sexual minoritised men, limiting our understanding of how sexual identity influences body image. However, there is strong reason to believe that bisexual and gay men experience distinct body image concerns. Here, we explored motivations to alter one’s leanness and muscularity, as well as (dis)satisfaction with body fat, muscularity, height and penis size, and functionality appreciation across gay, bisexual, and straight cisgender men. We sampled 378 white participants aged 18 to 85 (nbisexual = 125, ngay = 128, nstraight = 125). We found that bisexual men were significantly less motivated to be lean and showed lower muscularity dissatisfaction relative to gay men but showed comparable levels to straight men. Our findings demonstrate that despite research perceiving the body image of bisexual and gay men as homogenous, they experience differences in their body image concerning leanness and muscularity dissatisfaction. Future body image research should incorporate this understanding by not artificially grouping bisexual and gay cisgender men and instead acknowledging the potential uniqueness in their experiences.

Predictors of body image dissatisfaction in kinesiology students.

This research aimed to examine predictors of discrepancies between actual and ideal body images, specifically body fat and muscularity discrepancies, in kinesiology students. Volunteer participants (N = 174, men = 112, women = 62) filled out the sex-specific Somatomorphic Matrices (NSM-M and SM-F) as well as The Positive and Negative Perfectionism Scale (PNPS), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSE), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) using paper and pencil tools. The median and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine sex differences, and regression analyses were used to determine the contribution of sex, perfectionism, self-esteem, and eating attitudes in explaining the variances in body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction. The results showed no sex differences in body fat discrepancy, while men showed more discrepancy between actual and ideal muscularity than women. In regression analyses, sex was the only significant predictor of muscularity discrepancy, while disordered eating attitudes were a positive, and positive perfectionism was a negative predictor of body fat discrepancy. This study showed that while muscularity dissatisfaction is linked to the male sex, body fat dissatisfaction is not related to sex but to psychological variables of disordered eating attitudes and positive perfectionism in a population of youths that may be above average when it comes to physical activity.

Gay Dating Apps Usage, Body Dissatisfaction, and Disordered Eating in Chinese Young Gay Men

ABSTRACT There is a paucity of research on the links between gay dating apps usage and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, especially for muscularity dissatisfaction and muscularity-oriented disordered eating in non-Western contexts. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the associations between gay dating apps usage, body image inflexibility, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating with the inclusion of both body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction and both thinness–and muscularity–oriented disordered eating in a sample of Chinese young gay men. A total of 247 Chinese young gay men (mean age: 21.92 ± 2.74 years) were recruited. Gay dating apps usage, body fat dissatisfaction, muscularity dissatisfaction, body image inflexibility, and thinness–and muscularity-oriented disordered eating were evaluated. Pearson correlation and mediation analyses were conducted. Gay dating apps usage was positively correlated with body fat dissatisfaction (r = .20, p = .002), muscularity dissatisfaction (r = .17, p = .006), thinness-oriented disordered eating (r = .21, p < .001), and muscularity-oriented disordered eating (r = .29, p < .001), and these relationships could be mediated by body image inflexibility. Findings support technologically-informed prevention and intervention strategies for eating and body image disturbances in gay men in the Chinese context.

Internalized Homophobia, Body Dissatisfaction, Psychological Distress, and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Young Sexual Minority Men in China.

Purpose: Sexual minority men (SMM) have been shown to be at high risk of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Internalized homophobia, body dissatisfaction, and psychological distress have been found to be related to NSSI among SMM, but few studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying these associations. Thus, the current study was conducted to examine the association between internalized homophobia and NSSI, and whether body dissatisfaction and psychological distress mediate this relationship among young SMM in China. Methods: In total, 264 young SMM (mean age, 22.00 ± 2.86 years) in Henan Province, China, participated in the study. A set of questionnaires were used to assess participants' internalized homophobia, body fat dissatisfaction, muscularity dissatisfaction, psychological distress, and NSSI. Correlation and mediation analyses were used to examine the data. Results: Internalized homophobia correlated positively with NSSI (r = 0.24, p < 0.001) among young SMM in China. This relationship was partly mediated by body fat dissatisfaction, muscularity dissatisfaction, and psychological distress. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that internalized homophobia is a risk factor for NSSI among young SMM in China, and that body fat and muscle dissatisfaction and psychological distress underlie the association between internalized homophobia and NSSI. In developing interventions targeting NSSI among SMM, the findings of the current study should be considered to improve intervention outcomes.

Appearance-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, and suicidality among sexual minority men

Sexual minority men (SMM) are disproportionately at risk for suicidality. Furthermore, SMM are at elevated risk for appearance-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction, which are both associated with suicidality. Theoretical recommendations suggest including interaction terms between appearance-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction when examining deleterious health outcomes. To test these interactions and examine whether appearance-ideal internalization or body dissatisfaction impart greater suicidality, the current study analyzed associations between specific forms of appearance-ideal internalization and suicidality among SMM, and whether body dissatisfaction moderated these associations. Participants were 171 SMM recruited for an eating disorder prevention program. Analyses examined the association between thin and muscular-ideal internalization with count of suicide risk, with body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction moderating these associations. Zero-inflated Poisson regressions revealed that the association between thin-ideal internalization and suicide risk was moderated by body fat dissatisfaction, such that thin-ideal internalization was associated with increased suicide risk at high levels of body fat dissatisfaction. Muscularity concerns were not significantly associated with suicidality, suggesting that thinness concerns may be more salient than muscularity for suicidality among SMM. Future research should replicate findings among larger SMM samples and extend the current design into non-SMM samples to examine if results generalize to other vulnerable populations.

Beach body ready? Shredding for summer? A first look at “seasonal body image”

We introduce the term “seasonal body image” to refer to within-person variation in body image that occurs across the Gregorian seasons of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Herein, we (i) quantified and visualised seasonal body image and its mechanisms, and (ii) identified individual predictors of seasonal body image. Sexual minority men (N = 823) residing in the Northern Hemisphere (n = 659) and Southern Hemisphere (n = 164) provided cross-sectional data about their experiences of body image phenomena in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Most reported seasonal body image (∼70 %). As hypothesised, in Summer we observed peaks for body dissatisfaction alongside peaks in four proposed seasonal body image mechanisms: pressure from media advertisements, pressure from peers on social media, the feeling that one’s body is on public display, and appearance comparisons. In Winter, these phenomena were weakest. Effect sizes ranged from small to large (rs = .07–.50) with an average effect size of medium (.38). Seasonal body image was stronger for individuals with greater muscularity dissatisfaction and body fat dissatisfaction, and for higher body-weight and younger individuals. Future research will visualise seasonal body image using a multi-country Twitter database containing several billion tweets spanning multiple calendar years.

Disordered eating and body change behaviours: support for the Tripartite Influence Model among Brazilian male university students.

The Tripartite Influence Model posits that sociocultural influences mediated by internalization and social comparison are predictors of disordered eating and body change behaviours. This study aimed to test the Tripartite Influence Model among Brazilian male university students, which has not been tested yet. 707 undergraduate students of the five Brazilian regions, completed measures of sociocultural influences, internalization, social comparison, body and muscularity dissatisfaction, disordered eating and body change behaviours. Structural equation modelling analyses showed good model-fitting. Parental influence was related to internalization, while peer influence with social comparison. Media influences were related to both internalization and social comparison. Internalization and social comparison are mediating variables that are related to body dissatisfaction and muscularity dissatisfaction. Finally, muscularity dissatisfaction was associated with body change behaviours.

Muscularity rationality: An examination of the use of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) upon exercisers at risk of muscle dysmorphia

Research in the area of body image suggests that muscularity dissatisfaction is a prominent concern among men and women. At its apex, this concern manifests into a convoluted and debilitating body image disorder termed muscle dysmorphia (MD), characterised by a marked preoccupation with ones (subjective) muscularity and leanness inadequacy. Prevention of MD is critical, however, empirical evidence informing intervention protocols are profoundly scarce. The principal aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a one-to-one Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) intervention, comprising five, 60-min one-to-one sessions, in decreasing MD symptomatology, irrational beliefs and increasing unconditional self-acceptance in a mixed-sex cohort of four exercisers at-risk of MD. A single-case, staggered multiple-baseline across participant A-B design was adopted to examine the effects of REBT. Visual and statistical analyses, and social validation data, indicated reductions in MD, irrational beliefs, and increases in unconditional self-acceptance across all participants from pre-post intervention phases, with reductions upheld at a 6-month follow-up. This study highlights the potential role of rational and irrational beliefs in the onset and maintenance of MD. This study is the first to report the application of a CBT approach to MD symptomology, and has demonstrated the use of REBT as a potential preventative approach for individuals at risk of MD. Practitioners working with individuals at risk of MD should take a benefit-focussed approach to support individuals in developing unconditional self-acceptance beliefs, as well as a problem-focussed approach to support individuals in reducing irrational beliefs.

COVID-19-related stress and anxiety are associated with negative body image in adults from the United Kingdom

The stress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents a serious threat to psychological well-being in populations worldwide and may also extend to body image outcomes. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a preliminary study in which an online sample of adults from the United Kingdom (N = 506, age M = 34.25 years) were asked to complete measures of perceived stress, stressful life events, trait anxiety, COVID-19-related stress and anxiety, and negative body image (body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness in women, body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction in men). The results of hierarchical regressions indicated that COVID-19-related stress and anxiety explained significant incremental variance in body image outcomes (Adj. ΔR2 = .02 to .10), over-and-above demographics (age and body mass index) and perceived stress, trait anxiety, and stressful life events. These findings suggest that COVID-19-related stress and anxiety may shape body image outcomes under conditions of physical and social distancing.

The differential impact of viewing fitspiration and thinspiration images on men’s body image concerns: An experimental ecological momentary assessment study

To date, little is known about the impact of fitspiration and thinspiration exposure on men, as previous studies on these social media trends were primarily conducted on women. Male participants (n = 223) completed baseline measures of trait body image, then used a smartphone application to complete up to six state-based assessments daily for seven days. In each assessment, participants were randomly assigned to one of three image conditions (fitspiration, thinspiration, or neutral). Before and after viewing each image, they reported state body fat dissatisfaction, muscularity dissatisfaction, negative mood, and urge to engage in behaviours to reduce body fat and increase muscularity. Multi-level analyses revealed that compared to viewing neutral images, viewing fitspiration images increased men’s body dissatisfaction, whereas viewing thinspiration images decreased body dissatisfaction. Viewing either fit- or thinspiration images also led to lower mood and greater urges to increase muscularity, whereas only fitspiration images increased urges to reduce body fat. Men with greater baseline muscularity dissatisfaction and higher appearance comparison were most vulnerable to muscularity dissatisfaction after viewing fitspiration images. Findings suggest the importance of limiting exposure to fitspiration imagery and implementing social media literacy programmes for men and well as women.

Who’s the ‘bigger’ man? Parsing the relationships between masculinity and men’s muscularity dissatisfaction

Muscularity dissatisfaction is documented to be a pervasive phenomenon among men. While previous studies have examined theoretically relevant predictors of muscularity dissatisfaction, such as adherence to traditional masculine norms, to the best of our knowledge we are not aware of empirical research that has assessed how perceived discrepancies in one’s level of masculinity may also be associated with these concerns. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether perceived deficits in masculinity bear predictive utility over and above adherence to traditional masculine norms in the context of muscularity dissatisfaction. An online survey that included measures assessing the aforementioned constructs was completed by 390 university and community adult men. A hierarchical regression analysis showed that while adherence to masculine norms was associated with increased muscularity dissatisfaction, masculine role discrepancy (and attendant stress) were particularly strong predictors of muscularity dissatisfaction. Our findings make a novel contribution to the male body image literature by demonstrating the relative importance of perceived discrepancies in masculinity, and related stress, in the context of muscularity dissatisfaction. Pending replication in relevant clinical samples using prospective designs, this study provides preliminary evidence that masculine role discrepancies may be promising targets to help allay muscularity concerns among men.

Body-Related Attentional Bias among Men with High and Low Muscularity Dissatisfaction.

Previous studies have found gender differences in body-related attentional bias (AB), with women showing AB towards weight-related body parts. However, few studies have assessed the relationship between body-related AB and muscularity dissatisfaction (MD) in men. This study aimed to assess the presence of muscle-related AB in men, using a combination of a virtual reality (VR) embodiment-based technique and eye-tracking (ET) technology. Twenty men with high MD and 20 with low MD, owned a virtual avatar that had the same silhouette and body mass index as the participant. To analyze the gaze data, muscle-related areas of interest (M-AOIs) and nonmuscle-related areas of interest (NM-AOIs) were defined. The complete fixation time and the number of fixations on each AOI were recorded. Mixed between (group)-within (AOI_condition) analyses of variance showed a statistically significant interaction between group and time (p < 0.05) in both AB measures. Follow-up analyses revealed an AB towards M-AOIs only in men with high MD. Overall, men with high MD spent more time looking and displayed a higher number of fixations on M-AOIs, specifically the chest and shoulders, compared to men with low MD. This study provides new information about the relationship between MD and body-related AB in men. Combining VR with ET technologies presents interesting opportunities in the study of body image in men.

Effects of Celebrities' Social Media Pressure on Internalization and Muscularity Dissatisfaction among Men

Effects of Celebrities' Social Media Pressure on Internalization and Muscularity Dissatisfaction among Men

Sexual Orientation, Peer Influence, Body Dissatisfaction, and Eudaimonic Well-Being in Italian Men.

Having a lean and athletic physique is increasingly important for Italian men. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the relationship between men’s dissatisfaction with muscularity and well-being, conceptualized in terms of the realization of one’s true potential and the experience of purpose or meaning in life (i.e., eudaimonic well-being), considering also the role of sexual orientation and peer influence. Participants (385 Italian men with a mean age of 28.61 years, SD = 9.65) completed a questionnaire assessing the variables of interest. Path analysis indicated that sexual orientation was linked to eudaimonic well-being via muscularity dissatisfaction. Teasing about muscularity predicted men’s eudaimonic well-being both directly and via muscularity dissatisfaction. Peer attributions and appearance conversations predicted well-being through the mediation of athletic internalization and body dissatisfaction. Peer attributions, but not appearance conversations, were also directly linked to well-being. To improve broad aspects of men’s well-being, prevention and treatment programs should be directed to increase men’s ability to resist different forms of pressure, including that of their peers. These kinds of programs could be especially useful for gay men, who are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction and, in turn, poor psychological functioning.

Body-oriented gaze behaviors in men with muscle dysmorphia diagnoses.

Although muscle dysmorphia (MD) has been added as a specifier for body dysmorphic disorder in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, experimental research on psychopathological mechanisms is lacking. Because models of eating disorders (EDs) suggest parallels between MD and ED, body-oriented attentional biases, which are prominent in ED models, have been identified as potentially important maintaining factors. Specifically, we predicted the existence of biases toward subjectively negative areas of one's own body and positive areas of a bodybuilder in MD. We tracked gaze behaviors of 24 men with MD diagnoses, 24 weight-training controls, and 24 non-weight-training controls during exposure to pictures of their own body, an average male body, a lean-muscular body, and a hypermuscular body. Moreover, state body image and affect were assessed at baseline and after each stimulus. Partially supporting our hypotheses, men with MD diagnoses and non-weight-training controls, but not weight-training controls, displayed significant biases toward subjectively negative areas of their own body. Only men with MD diagnoses displayed biases toward positive areas of the hypermuscular body and reacted with a large, significant deterioration in state body image and affect. Attentional biases possibly contribute to the negative effects of critical examinations of one's body and of upward comparisons. There seems to be a specific positive bias toward subjectively ideal hypermuscular bodies in MD in conjunction with a negative bias toward oneself. Insofar as this pattern might maintain the severe muscularity dissatisfaction, it should be explicitly targeted by cognitive-behavioral interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).