title: Drive for muscularity and social physique anxiety mediate the perceived ideal physique muscle dysmorphia relationship.
abstract: This study examined the mediating role of drive for muscularity and social physique anxiety (SPA) in the perceived muscular male ideal physique and muscle dysmorphia relationship in weight training men. Men (N = 146, mean ± SD; age, 22.8 ± 5.0 years; weight, 82.0 ± 11.1 kg; height, 1.80 ± 0.07 m; body mass index, 25.1 ± 3.0) who participated in weight training completed validated questionnaires measuring drive for muscularity, SPA, perceived muscular male ideal physique, global muscle dysmorphia, and several characteristics of muscle dysmorphia (exercise dependence, diet manipulation, concerns about size/symmetry, physique protection behavior, and supplementation). Perceived ideal physique was an independent predictor of muscle dysmorphia measures except physique protection (coefficients = 0.113-0.149, p ≤ 0.05). Perceived ideal physique also predicted muscle dysmorphia characteristics (except physique protection and diet) through the indirect drive for muscularity pathway (coefficients = 0.055-0.116, p ≤ 0.05). Perceived ideal physique also predicted size/symmetry concerns and physique protection through the indirect drive for muscularity and SPA pathway (coefficients = 0.080-0.025, p ≤ 0.05). These results extend current research by providing insights into the way correlates of muscle dysmorphia interact to predict the condition. The results also highlight signs (e.g., anxiety about muscularity) that strength and conditioning coaches can use to identify at-risk people who may benefit from being referred for psychological assistance.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; 2School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia; 3Institute of Sports and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom; and 4Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Tod
authors.forename: Christian J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: McGuigan
mesh_terms: D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult