تجربه نارضایتی از بدن در مردان

Evidence suggests that the prevalence of body dissatisfaction (BD) is increasing amongst men. However, research has commonly examined the phenomenon in predominantly female groups. In view of this, the current study used a qualitative methodology to explore the experience of BD in men. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 men. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis yielded themes across four domains (societal, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and social presentation). Whilst participants exhibited a range of appearance concerns, there was commonality in the processes by which these were experienced and managed. These generic issues are the focus of the themes, and could usefully be incorporated into a new assessment tool. Findings are considered in relation to existing (cognitive behavioural, self-discrepancy, and sociocultural) theories, and implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

There is general consensus that “body image” comprises two components: perceptual (i.e. size estimation), and attitudinal (i.e. one's thoughts and feelings about the body; Skrzypek, Wehmeier, & Remschmidt, 2001). Therefore, body image dysfunction can exist both as perceptual distortion, and as attitudinal body dissatisfaction (BD; Skrzypek et al., 2001). Recent evidence suggests that the prevalence of BD amongst men is increasing (Garner, 1997). Moreover, body image disturbance appears to be associated with eating disorders (e.g. Kearney-Cooke & Steichen-Asch, 1990), “muscle dysmorphia” (Pope, Gruber, Choi, Olivardia, & Phillips, 1997), and steroid abuse (e.g. Blouin & Goldfield, 1995) in men.