Understanding muscularity, physique anxiety, and the experience of body image enhancement among men and women
A mixed‐methods study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12397357 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Timothy Piatkowski (0000-0002-6177-0266, School of Applied Psychology Griffith University Gold Coast Queensland Australia, corresponding author), David L Neumann (0000-0001-5400-462X, School of Applied Psychology Griffith University Gold Coast Queensland Australia), Veya Seekis (0000-0002-4079-009X, School of Applied Psychology Griffith University Gold Coast Queensland Australia), Matthew Dunn (0000-0001-5349-5252, School of Health and Social Development/Institute for Health Transformation Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication date | 2024-04-25 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1052-9284 • E-ISSN: 1099-1298 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/casp.2800 |
| OpenAlex | W4395464162 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 69 |
This study explores the growing trend of pursuing an ideal muscular physique, which escalates the risk of body image issues and engagement in enhancement behaviours. Employing a mixed‐methods approach, we examined the psychosocial dynamics surrounding these ideals and experiences, particularly the use of performance and image‐enhancing drugs (PIEDs). The quantitative arm of the study, involving 131 participants of mixed gender, investigated associations between social physique anxiety (SPA), drive for muscularity, male body attitudes, appearance comparisons, and self‐compassion. Concurrently, qualitative interviews with 16 individuals engaged in PIEDs interrogated the reasons for body image concerns and adaptive coping strategies around increasing body appreciation. The study emphasises the convergence of muscular ideals across genders and advocates for continued research in this domain
Anxiety · Developmental psychology · Mindfulness · Psychosocial · Psychotherapist · Self-compassion · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Clinical Psychology · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Media Influence and Health · Psychology
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| Unique citing works | 6 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 6 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 6 |