Body dissatisfaction (BD) contributes to body image disturbances and represents a core aspect of eating disorders (ED) development. Research has focused attention on ED behaviors and BD in woman, mainly. However, there is increasing evidence that males are dissatisfied with their weight and body shape. In addition, they are at risk of excessively exercising in order to gain weight and muscularity. Thus, Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) represents a dysfunctional ED-related behavior in males. Given substantial sex differences in ED behaviors and attitudes, more research is needed on risk factors for ED development in males only [1].
The present study explores how base-line self-esteem, body uneasiness, and personality ED-related characteristics predict changes in BD and MD in adolescents boys 7 months later.
Participants (N= 136) were boys, 16 ± 1.3 yrs, who self-reported on Eating Disorders Assessment for Man [2], EDI-2 Perfectionism, Interoceptive Awareness, and Ineffectiveness, Rosenberg Self-Esteem, also reflected, and Body Uneasiness Test. They completed the questionnaires twice, 7 months apart, further reporting on their weight and height.
After controlling for base-line BMI, age, BD, and MD, results (p ≤ 0.05) showed that higher initial reflected self-esteem (β=-.12) predicted decreases in BD; in addition changes in BD positively correlated with changes in BUT Avoidance and Weight Phobia. EDI-2 Interoceptive Awareness (β=.16) and BUT Compulsive self-monitoring (β=.32) accounted for increases in MD.
Consistently with previous research, the present study revealed some sex commonalities and differences in relation to ED vulnerabilities [1,2]. Specifically, our findings suggest that reflected self-esteem and compulsive self-monitoring, that is, reflected social image and attractiveness, may represent risk factors for EDs in young boys especially. Overall, the present results confirm that more attention is needed on male-specific indicators and vulnerability factors, in order to prevent the development of dysfunctional body weight and image in adolescence.
1. Ricciarderlli, L. A., & McCabe, M. P. (2004). A Biopsychosocial Model of Disordered Eating and the Pursuit of Muscularity in Adolescent Boys. Psychological Bulletin, 130, 179-205.
2. Stanford, S. C., & Lemberg, R. (2012). A Clinical Comparison of Men and Women on the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Eating Disorder Assessment for Men (EDAM). Eating Disorders,20,379-394
