Body checking behaviors in men.
Males have been facing increasing pressure from the media to attain a lean, muscular physique, and are at risk for body dissatisfaction, disturbed eating and exercise behaviors, and abuse of appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs (APEDs). The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between body checking and mood, symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, importance of shape and weight, and APED use in undergraduate males. Body checking in males was correlated with weight and shape concern, symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, depression, negative affect, and APED use. Body checking predicted APED use and uniquely accounted for the largest amount of variance in Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) scores (16%). Findings support the view that body checking is an important construct in male body image, muscle dysmorphia, and body change strategies and suggest a need for further research.
Walker
D Catherine
DC
The University at Albany, State University of New York, Social Sciences 369, Albany, NY 12222, USA. catherine.resnick@gmail.com
Anderson
Drew A
DA
Hildebrandt
Thomas
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000339:Affect; D001823:Body Composition; D001828:Body Image; D049628:Body Size; D001835:Body Weight; D003702:Delusions / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009770:Obsessive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D055815:Young Adult