A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was used to research men's experience with attempting to achieve an 'ideal' masculine body. The current North American 'ideal' male body, media and cultural influences, a continuum of exercise and dieting behaviours, steriod use, addictions, eating disorders were presented as factors that may provide insight into this phenomenon. Eight male research participants were interviewed in regards to their experiences with attempting to achieve an 'ideal' masculine body. A dramaturgical life story approach to interviewing was ued. A follow-up interview was conducted to allow each research participant to comment on the emerging themes shared by the researcher. The nine themes that emerged from the participants' stories are: (1) I am not good enough, (2) judging genetics, (3) spiraling into obsession, (4) extreme commitment, (5)join the club, (6) no one understands me, (7)control, (8) it's all an optical illusion, and (9) overcoming the obsession. The results of this thesis combined with the literature suggest the following three conclusions. First, men who attempt to achieve an ideal masculine body may be vulnerable to external messages about their bodies. Second, pre-existing personality traits and/or mental health issues may contribute to this vulnerability. Third, some men may attempt to deal with complex mental health issues by taking their 'frustrations' and 'aggression' out in the gym, rather than by seeking counselling. The implications for helping professionals are discussed. The limitations of this approach are acknowledged and directions for future research are suggested. / ix, 126 leaves ; 29 cm.

Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library. / The overall objective of the studies that comprise this thesis is to compare the effect of various dietary proteins and carbohydrates on acute postprandial changes in appetite sensations, ad libitum energy intake and associated regulatory hormones in overweight/obese adults. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1289323 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, 2007

Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library. / The overall objective of the studies that comprise this thesis is to compare the effect of various dietary proteins and carbohydrates on acute postprandial changes in appetite sensations, ad libitum energy intake and associated regulatory hormones in overweight/obese adults. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1289323 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, 2007

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, 2000. / "A thesis submitted in completion of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Social Ecology, University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury." "November 2000." Bibliography : leaves 406-413.

Thesis (M.A.)--The Master's College, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 142-144).

Thesis (Honors)--College of William and Mary, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 37-40). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on July 31, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 153-160).

Thesis (M.A.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2003. / Bibliography: leaves 124-129.