Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is increasing among U.S. men and is associated with body-enhancing behaviors that threaten physical health, such as excessive dieting and exercising. A research gap was identified about the relationships between men's body image dissatisfaction, body-enhancing behaviors, and the possible mediating effect of self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among body image dissatisfaction, body-enhancing behaviors, and self-esteem in adult males. Sociocultural and social comparison theory served as the theoretical frameworks for this study, which included 103 participants recruited through a university participant pool and gyms. Participants completed questionnaires including the Body-Esteem Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Exercise Dependence Scale-21, Revised Restraint Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Correlational and regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between all constructs and to test self-esteem as the mediating variable. A mediation model showed a relationship between dieting and self-esteem and BID in that high BID was related to low self-esteem. However, self-esteem did not mediate the relationship between diet and exercise. Findings indicated a significant relationship between higher BID and lower self-esteem. Results also indicated a significant relationship between BID and dieting. Results may be used to improve the lives of men affected by BID by informing them about factors that may affect BID and/or self-esteem. Enhancing the understanding of males' low self-esteem and body image may help researchers and practitioners develop more effective interventions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:waldenu.edu/oai:scholarworks.waldenu.edu:dissertations-4864 |
| Date | 01 January 2017 |
| Creators | Damon, Shimeka |
| Publisher | ScholarWorks |
| Source Sets | Walden University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies |
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