title: Stress and dress: investigating the relationship between social anxiety and appearance management among gay and straight men.
abstract: This research project explores the relationship between social anxiety and appearance management behaviors (AMB), including both routine and non-routine, among gay and straight men and women. Prior research had found links between AMB and stress (Reilly & Rudd, 2002), stress and (perceived) discrimination (Lee, 1997; Savin-Williams, 1994), and sexual orientation and weight (Brand, Rothblum, & Solom, 1992). An argument is made that links stress with AMB using the foundation of Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) as a guide. Research questions investigated were: (1) Is there a correlation between stress and AMB; (2) Is there a significant difference between body mass indices of men and women of differing sexual orientations; (3) How do AMB differ between those with gay and straight orientations; and (4) How do AMB differ between men and women? Using a survey design, a questionnaire was posted on the Internet. Measures included the Rudd/Lennon Appearance Management Scale of Routine and Risky Behaviors and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. A total of 365 usable forms were completed. Results show that social anxiety is positively correlated with non-routine AMB, or behaviors that carry some risk. Gay and straight participants differed on the routine AMB they practiced. Men and women differed on the non-routine or risky AMB they practiced or would consider practicing. Implications are discussed and further research is suggested.
authors.affiliation: School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reilly
authors.forename: Nancy Ann
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Rudd
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003020:Clothing / Q000523:psychology*; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology