Body checking behaviors in men.

Full Abstract

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.

Author information

Author/s: Walker, D Catherine (DC); Anderson, Drew A (DA); Hildebrandt, Thomas (T);

Affiliation: The University at Albany, State University of New York, Social Sciences 369, Albany, NY 12222, USA. catherine.resnick(-atsign-)gmail.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Body image (Body Image), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jun; vol 6 (issue 3) : pp 164-70

Dates: Created 2009/06/02; Completed 2009/08/13;

PMID: 19482568, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 8/21/2009, IMS Date: )

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