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Denes A, Ussher JM, Power R, Perz J, Ryan S, Hawkey AJ, Dowsett GW, Parton C. LGBTQI Sexual Well-Being and Embodiment After Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39073073 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2378884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
This study examined lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) cancer patients' sexual well-being post-cancer, and the associations between sexual well-being and social support, physical concerns, distress, quality of life (QOL), and coping. We used a mixed-methods approach, including 430 surveys and 103 interviews, representing a range of tumor types, sexual and gender identities, age groups, and intersex status. The findings indicated that LGBTQI people with cancer experience declines in sexual well-being following cancer, which are associated with reduced QOL, greater physical concerns, and lower social support. The perceived helpfulness of coping mechanisms was associated with greater sexual well-being across genders, with cisgender men reporting the sharpest declines in sexual well-being and highest use of coping mechanisms. Across all groups, searching for information online was the most frequently used coping mechanism, with support groups and counseling the most under-utilized. Qualitative findings facilitated interpretation of these results, providing examples of ways in which cancer impacted sexual well-being and how physical changes influence sexual embodiment or desire to engage in sex. Concerns about reduced sexual desire and activity, associated with changes to breasts, vulva, vagina, penis, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, scarring, and stoma, reflect previous findings in the non-LGBTQI cancer population. Unique to this population are the impact of physical changes on LGBTQI embodiment, including disruption to sexual and gender identities, and feelings of disconnection from queer communities. Addressing LGBTQI sexual well-being within oncology healthcare is a matter of sexual and reproductive justice, for a population whose needs are often overlooked within cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Denes
- Department of Communication, University of Connecticut
| | - Jane M Ussher
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University
| | - Rosalie Power
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University
| | - Janette Perz
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University
| | - Samantha Ryan
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University
| | | | - Gary W Dowsett
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
| | - Chloe Parton
- School of Health, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington
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2
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Zheng L, Xu J. The Pattern of Physique Preferences on Gay Dating App "Blued" in China: A Multiple Group Latent Class Analysis. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39037778 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2380735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated homogamy in partner preferences among gay and bisexual men. Individuals on Blued (the most popular gay dating app in China) could identify their body type and preferred physiques according to six categories: monkey (thin gay men), average, muscularity, bear (heavy and hairy gay men), baboon (smaller than bears), and pig (plumper than bears). This study examined patterns of physique preferences across body types as well as sexual self-labels (tops, bottoms, versatiles, and others). In total, 188,716 Blued profiles (Mage = 31.1, SD = 7.1) were obtained. Multiple group latent class analysis was used to examine the patterns of physique preferences across the body type groups. The results revealed seven classes of physique preference. The four common physique preferences shared by all body type groups were "like averages," "like monkeys," "like muscularity," and "like bears." Individuals with a monkey or average body type exhibited a specific pattern of physique preference: "dislike bears." The two physique preferences specific to gay bear men were "like averages and muscularity," and "dislike monkeys." The highest preference for each physique was observed among individuals of the same body type. Furthermore, tops were more likely to have a muscular body and prefer a monkey physique, whereas bottoms were more likely to have a monkey body and prefer a muscular physique. These findings indicate body type-specific physique preferences based on an individual's own body type and sexual self-label identification, thus partially supporting the concept of homogamy in the physique preferences of gay men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiatong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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3
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Zaliznyak M, Gonzales M, Gaither TW. Obesity and sexual health trends among a large, national sample of men who have sex with men on Grindr in the USA. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH24049. [PMID: 39013024 DOI: 10.1071/sh24049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Background A growing number of men who have sex with men (MSM) utilise Grindr for seeking relationships and immediate/casual sexual encounters. Grindr and other mobile applications can be a valuable source of information on sociological predictors of health. One topic that is under reported is the use of Grindr by MSM with obesity. We described differences in Grindr use between MSM with and without obesity, and to use Grindr information to reveal trends which may serve as potential predictors of health. Methods Data was collected from 3744 Grindr users (mean age [s.d.], 32.3 years [9.1]) from the largest 50 metropolitan centres in the USA between February and May 2018. Users were divided into two cohorts based on BMI: (1) MSM with obesity (BMI>30), n =253; and (2) MSM without obesity, n =3491. Profile characteristics were compared. Results When evaluating potential predictors for obesity, we found that black/African-American and older MSM were significantly more likely to have obesity. Further, we found that obesity among MSM was significantly inversely associated with the population percent lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) within a city. Additionally, we found that MSM with obesity were significantly more likely to indicate interest in immediate sexual encounters. Conclusions These results highlight important trends that may serve as predictors of health in urban settings. Furthermore, our results suggest that MSM with obesity may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours. These findings may be useful in informing providers and healthcare officials on when and how to provide outreach to this unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Zaliznyak
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Manuel Gonzales
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas W Gaither
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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4
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Wolfe EC, Snorrason I, Laky ZE, Miyares P, Klare D, Fang A, Summers B, Phillips KA, Wilhelm S, Greenberg JL. Clinical characteristics among sexual minority and heterosexual women with body dysmorphic disorder. Body Image 2024; 49:101687. [PMID: 38471234 PMCID: PMC11139585 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a common disorder associated with substantial comorbidity, impairment, and poor quality of life. Research on subcultural variations of BDD is limited but may impact assessment and treatment of the disorder. The current study examined clinical features in a sample of sexual minority (SM; n = 43) and heterosexual (n = 155) women with diagnosed BDD. Participants completed self-report and clinician-administered measures of demographic and clinical characteristics. Results indicated largely similar clinical features across groups with some exceptions: compared to non-SM women, SM women were younger (M = 25.50 vs 31.96 years, p < .001), had better BDD-related insight (M = 14.51 vs 16.26, p = .01), endorsed a greater number of disliked body parts, and were more likely to express preoccupation with body build (OR = 4.6, 95% CI [2.0, 10.9]), chin/jaw (OR = 4.7, 95% CI [2.1, 10.3]), and shoulders (OR = 10.1, 95% CI [2.7, 37.9]), possibly reflecting nuanced beauty ideals within the SM community. There were no significant group differences in other body parts of concern, BDD severity, or depression. Future studies are needed in larger, more inclusive samples to explore the relationship between diverse identities on BDD and its associated features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Wolfe
- University of Virginia, 485 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
| | - Ivar Snorrason
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston MA 02114, USA
| | - Zoë E Laky
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston MA 02114, USA; American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Peyton Miyares
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston MA 02114, USA
| | - Dalton Klare
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston MA 02114, USA
| | - Angela Fang
- University of Washington, 3751 West Stevens Way NE, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Berta Summers
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston MA 02114, USA
| | - Katharine A Phillips
- Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, USA; New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, 315 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sabine Wilhelm
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston MA 02114, USA
| | - Jennifer L Greenberg
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston MA 02114, USA
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5
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Richburg A, Stewart AJ. Body Image Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: An Intersectional Analysis. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024; 71:319-343. [PMID: 36043896 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2114399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Body image is consequential for overall well-being and has a complex relation to gender. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals develop body image amid intersecting systems of oppression, such as sexism, cisnormativity, heteronormativity, and gender binary pressures. This study used an intersectionality framework to examine how various aspects of gender identification (cis/trans, binary/nonbinary, woman/man identification) related to body image differences among SGM individuals. We also assessed whether identification with conventionally masculine and feminine personality traits predicted body image. We used one-way and two-way ANOVAs and linear regressions to analyze two indicators of body image (body appreciation and drive for muscularity) in a sample of 643 SGM individuals (148 sexual minority (SM) cis women, 171 trans women, 121 SM cis men, 43 trans men, 160 nonbinary individuals). Results implicated cisnormativity as an influential and hierarchical force for body image, although woman/man and binary/nonbinary identification also played roles in group differences. With a few exceptions, masculine but not feminine trait identification significantly predicted body appreciation and drive for muscularity, indicating a complicated association with overall body image. These findings underscore the value of an intersectional lens for analyzing how broad social forces may manifest in individual-level body image for SGM individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Richburg
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Abigail J Stewart
- Departments of Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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6
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Manão AA, Pascoal PM. Body Dissatisfaction, Cognitive Distraction, and Sexual Satisfaction in a Sample of LGB+ People: A Mediation Study Framed by Cognitive Psychology Models of Sexual Response. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2930. [PMID: 37998422 PMCID: PMC10671832 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Body dissatisfaction is a well-established risk factor for emotional problems and low levels of well-being indicators, such as sexual health. Cognitive models propose that dissatisfaction with one's body can cause cognitive distraction related to physical appearance during sexual activity. This may compromise sexual response, namely, sexual satisfaction in heterosexual cis women. However, this relationship has only been studied within heterosexual samples. The present study aims to test a mediation model using cognitive distraction related to body appearance during sexual activity as a mediator between body dissatisfaction and sexual satisfaction in LGB+ cis people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other minority sexual orientations). Methods: This cross-sectional online study comprised 165 cisgender LGB+ participants (n = 67 cis women, 40.6%; n = 98 cis men, 59.4%). Self-report questionnaires were used: the Global Body Dissatisfaction Scale, the Body Appearance Distraction Scale, and a Single-Item Measure of Sexual Satisfaction. Results: Cis women and cis men experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction, cognitive distraction with body appearance during sexual activity, and sexual satisfaction. Body appearance cognitive distraction during sexual activity mediated the relationship between body dissatisfaction and sexual satisfaction only in the men's sample. Discussion: Overall, in terms of gender and body dissatisfaction, our results reveal a reversed pattern than those found in heterosexual samples. This may be because LGB+ cis women may conform less to societal pressure, leading to less meaning given to body dissatisfaction in relation to sexuality, which may lead to more positive sexual outcomes. Likewise, LGB+ cis men present higher body dissatisfaction and experience lower sexual satisfaction, possibly due to the emphasis on physical appearance in the gay subculture. The results confirm the validity of cognitive models of sexual response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia M. Pascoal
- HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
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7
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Matouk KM, Schulman JK, Case JAC. Mental Health Disparities in Sexual Minority and Transgender Women: Implications and Considerations for Treatment. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:583-595. [PMID: 37500252 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Minority stress theory offers an explanation of how discrimination, marginalization, harassment, and violence against sexual minority and transgender women are connected to mental health disparities. Particularly, these groups are vulnerable to body image issues, disordered eating, higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, suicide and nonsuicidal self-injury, and substance use. Discrimination is also experienced within clinical settings, which may lead this population to postpone or avoid treatment. Clinicians play a crucial role in reducing barriers to health care by developing cultural competency and ensuring safe and affirming spaces within their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kareen M Matouk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Julie K Schulman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 5141 Broadway, 3 River East, New York, NY 10034, USA
| | - Julia A C Case
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA
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8
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Knight R, Preston C. Exploring the effects of gender and sexual orientation on disordered eating: an EFA to CFA study of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:100. [PMID: 37349796 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Several problems limit our understanding of the ways that gender and sexual orientation influence disordered eating. These include the reliance on measures that have been developed and validated in samples of cisgender heterosexual women, and the lack of confirmed measurement invariance that allows us to meaningfully compare these experiences between groups. This study was an EFA to CFA exploration of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire in a group of heterosexual, bisexual, gay, and lesbian men and women. In total 1638 participants were recruited via adverts in traditional and social media to complete an online survey. A 14-item, three-factor model of the EDE-Q was confirmed as best fitting the data and measurement invariance between groups was ascertained. Sexual orientation influenced disordered eating and muscularity-related thoughts and behaviours in men but not women. Heterosexual men reported more muscularity-related concerns and behaviours, whereas gay men showed more thinness-related concerns and behaviours. Bisexual participants showed a different pattern, highlighting the importance of treating this group individually and not collating all non-heterosexual participants together. Small but significant effects of sexual orientation and gender have an impact on the kinds of disordered eating thoughts and behaviours one might experience, and could influence prevention and treatment. Clinicians may be able to provide more effective and tailored interventions by taking into account gender and sexual orientation in sensitive ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Knight
- Department of Psychology, York St John University, Lord Mayors Walk, York, Y031 7EX, UK.
- University of York, York, UK.
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9
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Muzi L, Nardelli N, Naticchioni G, Mazzeschi C, Baiocco R, Lingiardi V. Body Uneasiness and Dissatisfaction Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Persons. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37363347 PMCID: PMC10010970 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction While sexual minority people have been widely considered at risk for developing a range of body image concerns, evidence of body dissatisfaction and shame amongst LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals is mixed. This study investigated differences in body uneasiness, body dissatisfaction, and self-blaming/attacking attitudes between LGB and heterosexual individuals, as well as within LGB groups, while also examining the predictive role of body mass index (BMI). Methods A sample of cisgender lesbian women (n = 163), gay men (n = 277), bisexual women (n = 135), bisexual men (n = 39), heterosexual women (n = 398), and heterosexual men (n = 219) completed an online survey assessing different aspects of body image between May and July 2020. Results Gay and bisexual men reported greater body image disturbance and self-blaming attitudes relative to heterosexual men. In contrast, lesbian women reported lower body uneasiness than their bisexual and heterosexual counterparts, but greater self-hate. Moreover, lesbian and bisexual women showed more body dissatisfaction than gay men, and bisexual individuals reported more body uneasiness than individuals in other sexual minority subgroups. Higher BMI emerged as a significant predictor of body image concerns and dissatisfaction. Conclusions Body image dimensions showed sexual identity-based differences. Determining the specific nuances of body image in LGB individuals can provide important information on potential risk factors that may impact mental health outcomes. Policy Implications In-depth knowledge of body dissatisfaction and uneasiness in individuals with LGB identities may have critical implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muzi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza Ermini, 1, Perugia, 06123 Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Naticchioni
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza Ermini, 1, Perugia, 06123 Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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10
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Why do queer men experience negative body image? A narrative review and testable stigma model. Body Image 2023; 45:94-104. [PMID: 36867966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Queer men (i.e., men who are not heterosexual; sexual minority men) are disproportionately affected by negative body image - they experience greater body dissatisfaction are more likely to develop eating disorders than heterosexual men. While existing literature has examined individual-level predictors of negative body image for queer men, less is known about why queer men as a group are disproportionately affected by negative body image. By synthesising existing theoretical frameworks, research, policy, and media reporting, this narrative review moves towards an understanding of systemic-level negative body image for queer men. Through the lens of hegemonic masculinity, we explain how systemic experiences of stigma work to inform unattainable appearance standards for queer men, and how these standards then contribute to pervasive negative body image concerns among this community. Next, we describe how systemic stigma works to exacerbate negative health outcomes for queer men with body image concerns. Finally, we present a synthesized model of the processes outlined in this review, articulate testable predictions for future studies, and describe practical implications that could be widely employed to improve body image for queer men. Our review is the first to propose a comprehensive explanation of systemic negative body image for queer men.
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11
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Makarawung DJS, Boers MJ, van den Brink F, Monpellier VM, Woertman L, Mink van der Molen AB, Geenen R. The relationship of body image and weight: A cross-sectional observational study of a Dutch female sample. Clin Obes 2023; 13:e12569. [PMID: 36417999 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Body image concerns may play a role in weight changing behaviour. The objective of this study was to assess body image in different weight groups. Participants reported satisfaction with (AE) and investment in (AO) appearance, and the discrepancy between current and ideal body size (BS). These scores were compared between weight groups based on body-mass index (BMI) using analysis of variance. One-sample t-tests and Cohen's d effect sizes examined the magnitude of differences within each weight group relative to neutral midpoints of the scales; cluster analysis identified body image profiles. A total of 27 896 women were included in this study. AE scores were highest for people with underweight and normal weight, AO scores were highest for the underweight group and lowest in class III obesity, and BS scores were largest in the obese groups (all p < .001) Cluster analysis identified eight body image profiles. In people with obesity, the most prevalent profiles included a preference for a smaller body and low satisfaction with appearance, but differed in investment in appearance (low vs. high). Most people with underweight were allocated to profiles showing high investment in their appearance, preference of a larger body, but differences in satisfaction with appearance (neutral vs. high). While people with a higher BMI have on average more body image concerns, different body image profiles exist in all weight groups. Future research should examine whether and which individuals in terms of body image profile may benefit more from weight interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J S Makarawung
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Mijke J Boers
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | | | - Valerie M Monpellier
- Nederlandse Obesitas Kliniek (Dutch Obesity Clinic), Huis ter Heide, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Woertman
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rinie Geenen
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Schmidt M, Taube CO, Heinrich T, Vocks S, Hartmann AS. Body image disturbance and associated eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology in gay and heterosexual men: A systematic analyses of cognitive, affective, behavioral und perceptual aspects. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278558. [PMID: 36472982 PMCID: PMC9725123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study contributes to the quantitatively large, yet narrow in scope research on body image in gay men by assessing whether gay and heterosexual men systematically differ on various dimensions of body image disturbance and associated pathology, i.e., eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder symptoms. Moreover, we examined the influence of general everyday discrimination experiences and involvement with the gay community on body image. METHOD N = 216 men (n = 112 gay men, n = 104 heterosexual men) participated in an online survey measuring the discrepancy between self-rated current and ideal body fat/ muscularity; drive for leanness, muscularity, and thinness; body satisfaction; body-related avoidance and checking; appearance fixing; overall body image disturbance; eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology; general everyday discrimination experiences; and involvement with the gay community. RESULTS Gay men showed a greater discrepancy between self-rated current and ideal body fat; higher drive for thinness, body-related avoidance, appearance fixing, overall body image disturbance, eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology; and lower body appreciation than heterosexual men (all p ≤ .05). Contrary to expectation, everyday discrimination experiences were more strongly associated with body image disturbance and eating disorder/ body dysmorphic disorder pathology in heterosexual men than in gay men (all p ≤ .05). Gay community involvement was not associated with any body image disturbance-, ED-, or BDD aspect in gay men (all p ≥ .20). DISCUSSION The results suggest greater body image disturbance in gay men than in heterosexual men regarding cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and perception as well as higher eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology. The results also suggest the dilemma of a thin, yet muscular body ideal in gay men. Surprisingly, discrimination experiences and involvement with the gay community did not explain differences in body image disturbance. Gay men may have become resilient to discrimination over time, and body ideals might differ across gay sub-communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Christoph O. Taube
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Thomas Heinrich
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Silja Vocks
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andrea S. Hartmann
- Department of Psychology, Unit of Experimental Clinical Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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13
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Nowicki GP, Marchwinski BR, O'Flynn JL, Griffths S, Rodgers RF. Body image and associated factors among sexual minority men: A systematic review. Body Image 2022; 43:154-169. [PMID: 36150358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that the risk of body image concerns among sexual minority men is high. Recent work has increasingly examined body image in relation to psychological, interpersonal, and behavioral constructs, but these findings have yet to be consolidated and critically examined to identify potential risk and protective factors. The present study sought to systematically review and synthesize published findings on body image among sexual minority men. A total of 136 articles published between January 2011 and March 2022 were included. Sexual minority men were generally reported to have more negative body image compared to heterosexual men, yet findings varied across body image constructs. In correlational work, body image was often examined in relation to disordered eating, mental health, internalization of appearance ideals, objectification, sexual behavior and relationships, gay community identification and discrimination, and health concerns (e.g., HIV, AIDS). Robust relationships emerged among body image and stigma variables, including internalized homophobia and harassment related to LGBTQ+ presentation and intersecting minority identities. Sociocultural, objectification, and minority stress theories were employed to interpret findings and to delineate future directions grounded in intersectional approaches. Additional work focused on the role of stigma and discrimination in the development of these concerns across the lifespan is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve P Nowicki
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA; Simmons University, Boston, USA
| | - Breana R Marchwinski
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA; Simmons University, Boston, USA; Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Jennifer L O'Flynn
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Scott Griffths
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel F Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA; Department of Psychiatric Emergency and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU, Montpellier, France
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14
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Validation of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 in cisgender, heterosexual and sexual and gender minority adolescents and sexuality-related correlates. Body Image 2022; 43:193-204. [PMID: 36154978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Body dissatisfaction has received considerable scientific attention, while research about positive body image has been neglected, particularly among adolescents. The aims of the present study were to examine (1) the factor structure of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) in a large sample of cisgender, heterosexual and sexual and gender minority adolescents, (2) measurement invariance across language, gender and sexual orientation-based groups, (3) convergent validity with sexuality-related outcomes and (4) one-year temporal stability. Results of a confirmatory analysis among 2419 adolescents (Mage=14.6 years, SD=0.62; 52.6% girls) corroborated the proposed one-dimensional factor structure of the scale. The BAS-2 demonstrated adequate reliability and one-year temporal stability. The scale was partially invariant across gender and fully invariant across language and cisgender heterosexual and sexual and gender minority adolescents. Boys (cis and trans) had higher levels of body appreciation than girls (cis and trans), while no significant differences were observed between heterosexual and sexual minority adolescents. The BAS-2 correlated positively with sexual satisfaction and sexual body-esteem as well as negatively with sexual distress. Our findings support the validity and reliability of the BAS-2 in French and English for measuring body appreciation in adolescents.
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15
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White M, Jones S, Joy P. Safe, Seen, and Supported: Navigating Eating Disorders Recovery in the 2SLGBTQ+ Communities. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2022:1-9. [DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2022-033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Our purpose was to explore the experiences of self-identifying Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (2SLGBTQ+) Canadians in treatments for their eating disorders (EDs). By knowing more about their experiences, we hoped to better understand how dietitians and ED service providers can better support 2SLGBTQ+ clients. Methods: Ten self-identifying 2SLGBTQ+ individuals reporting concerns regarding body image or eating patterns, as well as accessing support services or treatments, within Canada were recruited through social media platforms. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes are presented: (i) feelings of judgement and otherness, (ii) experiencing shame in EDs and 2SLGBTQ+ identity, (iii) perceiving a lack of understanding and knowledge, and (iv) sharing lived experiences with the care team. Conclusions: Increased focus on trauma-informed approaches to ED treatment in 2SLGBTQ+ populations are indicated so that 2SLGBTQ+ clients feel comfortable to share. Increased education in 2SLGBTQ+ terminology and gender expression is recommended for dietetic professionals. We also recommend increased recruitment efforts for more diverse care teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan White
- Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
- Eating Disorders Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS
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16
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Heron KE, Braitman AL, Dawson CA, Sandoval CM, Butler LV, Moulder A, Lewis RJ. Rationale and Design of an Ecological Momentary Assessment Study Examining Predictors of Binge Eating Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Young Women: Protocol for the Health and Experiences in Real Life (HER Life) Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e41199. [PMID: 36269642 PMCID: PMC9636528 DOI: 10.2196/41199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has identified health disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual women, including increased rates of obesity and binge eating in sexual minority women. Established predictors of binge eating behavior include negative emotions and sociocultural processes; however, these studies are generally conducted in samples of young women where sexual identity is not known or reported. There is a dearth of research evaluating how sexual minority-specific factors (eg, minority stress and connectedness to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community) may affect binge eating in sexual minority women. In addition, no studies have examined these processes in racially diverse samples or considered how intersecting minority identities (eg, Black and sexual minority) may affect eating behaviors. OBJECTIVE The Health and Experiences in Real Life (HER Life) Project aims to clarify real-world predictors of binge eating in young heterosexual and sexual minority women using ecological momentary assessment. The role of affective, social, and health behavior factors in binge eating will be examined for all women (aim 1), and sexual minority-specific predictors will also be considered for sexual minority women participants (aim 2). Person-level moderators of race, body- and eating-related factors, and sexual minority-specific factors will also be examined to better understand how real-world binge eating predictors may differ for various demographic groups (aim 3). METHODS Researchers aim to recruit 150 sexual minority and 150 heterosexual women from across the United States, including at least 50 Black women for each group, using web-based recruitment methods. The eligibility criteria include identifying as a woman, being aged between 18 and 30 years, and having had at least two binge eating episodes in the last 2 weeks. Participants must endorse being only or mostly attracted to men (considered heterosexual) or only or mostly attracted to women or having a current or most recent female partner (considered sexual minority). Eligible participants complete an initial web-based baseline survey and then 14 days of ecological momentary assessment involving the completion of a morning and before-bed survey and 5 prompted surveys per day as well as a user-initiated survey after binge eating episodes. The data will be analyzed using a series of multilevel models. RESULTS Data collection started in February 2021. We have currently enrolled 129 sexual minority women and 146 heterosexual women. Data collection is expected to conclude in fall 2022. CONCLUSIONS The Health and Experiences in Real Life Project aims to elucidate potential differences between sexual minority and heterosexual women in within-person factors predicting binge eating and inform eating disorder interventions for sexual minority women. The challenges in recruiting sexual minority women, including the determination of eligibility criteria and considerations for remote data collection, are discussed. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/41199.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E Heron
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psycholology, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Abby L Braitman
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psycholology, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Charlotte A Dawson
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psycholology, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Cassidy M Sandoval
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psycholology, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Lauren V Butler
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Alicia Moulder
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Robin J Lewis
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psycholology, Norfolk, VA, United States
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17
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Mahon C, Fitzgerald A, O’Reilly A, McDermott C, O’Connor C, Dooley B. An exploratory investigation of body esteem, body dissatisfaction and body change behaviours in sexual minority young adults from a risk and protective perspective. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2022.2130084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Mahon
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin (UCD) (Ireland)
| | | | - Aileen O’Reilly
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin (UCD) (Ireland)
- Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health (Ireland)
| | | | | | - Barbara Dooley
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin (UCD) (Ireland)
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18
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Ghaderi A, Bulik C, Myrälf M, Welch E. Anonymous Online Survey on Disordered Eating, Drive for Muscularity, Sexual Orientation, and Satisfaction with Life in Young Swedish Males. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3457-3465. [PMID: 35972634 PMCID: PMC9556378 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric conditions in general, including eating disorders, are stigmatizing conditions. The stigma of eating disorders is even more pronounced among males. We conducted an anonymous, online survey to explore the feasibility of recruiting participants for collecting sensitive information, and the relation among eating disorders, drive for muscularity, satisfaction with life, and sexual preference in males (N = 824) aged 15-30 years in Sweden. Internet survey method was a feasible way of recruiting males and obtaining sensitive information. Drive for muscularity was positively related to eating psychopathology. Interestingly, only the attitudinal aspect of the drive for muscularity was negatively related to satisfaction with life, whereas the behavioral component of the drive for muscularity was unrelated to quality of life. Drive for muscularity and disordered eating were not significantly different across participants with various sexual orientations. Our findings corroborate and extend previous research by using an anonymous Internet-based survey that may be less contaminated by social desirability or reporting bias due to the sensitivity of some of the questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Ghaderi
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm Centre for Eating Disorders, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Cynthia Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Myrälf
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Welch
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm Centre for Eating Disorders, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Knight R, Carey M, Jenkinson P, Preston C. The impact of sexual orientation on how men experience disordered eating and drive for muscularity. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2022.2118921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Knight
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Carey
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Jenkinson
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Research in Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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20
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Nhean S, Tseng A, Sheehan NL, Bogoch II. Use and safety of appearance and performance enhancing supplements in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men receiving daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. AIDS Care 2022; 35:488-494. [PMID: 36102034 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2121958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Appearance- and performance-enhancing supplements (APES) may be associated with liver and renal toxicity, but use is often under-reported. This study describes the use and safety of APES among gay, bisexual, and other men-who-have-sex with men (gbMSM) attending an urban HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) clinic. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2018 to September 2018 to assess APES usage in gbMSM taking daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine for PrEP. Renal and liver function were assessed from electronic medical records. Among 50 participants (98% male, median 32 years, 52% White, on PrEP for a median 4.4 years), 72% reported lifetime APES use, with 52% currently using APES (median 1.5 products/person) and 28% never used APES. The most common products included whey protein, creatine supplements and anabolic steroids. The primary reason for APES use was to increase muscle mass. Three (12%) current APES users had elevated serum creatinine (stage 1) versus zero (0%) in the non-APES group. Two (8%) current APES users experienced grade 3-4 ALT/AST elevations versus zero (0%) in the non-APES group. APES usage among gbMSM taking PrEP was high and may be associated with liver/renal lab abnormalities. Increased awareness of APES use and potential toxicity is encouraged to enhance safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salin Nhean
- Doctors Community Medical Center, Lanham, MD, USA.,Correct Rx Pharmacy Services, Hanover, MD, USA
| | - Alice Tseng
- Immunodeficiency Clinic, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | - Nancy L Sheehan
- McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Canada.,Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Isaac I Bogoch
- Immunodeficiency Clinic, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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21
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Austen E, Bonell S, Griffiths S. Fat is feminine: A qualitative study of how weight stigma is constructed among sexual minority men who use Grindr. Body Image 2022; 42:160-172. [PMID: 35738149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Why is weight stigma so potent among sexual minority men? We propose that sexual minority men may be more vulnerable to weight stigma because of factors not captured by existing measures - for instance, men's perception of fatness as less masculine and/or more feminine. To investigate, we qualitatively examined how 17 sexual minority men (Mage = 28.52, SDage = 1.63, range: 18-49) described fatness in their discussions of body ideals and appearance pressures. We generated two themes: (i) Masculinity is a currency that fat men have less of and (ii) Fatness is stigmatized or fetishized. Participants described appearing masculine (i.e., lean, muscular) as particularly valuable within the gay community - opposingly, fatness was framed as unmasculine and undesirable. Fat men's treatment was understood as rarely divorced from their body size, either being stigmatized or fetishized because of their weight. Finally, being unattracted to fat men was constructed as a personal preference that ought not be criticised. These findings suggest the value of masculinity within the gay community may exacerbate weight stigma experiences and internalization among sexual minority men. Future research should account for the anticipated effects of fatness on men's masculinity and clarify whether sexual preferences and fetishization should be subsumed in weight stigma definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Austen
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Sarah Bonell
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott Griffiths
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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22
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Oswald F, Pedersen CL, Matsick JL. Gayzing Women's Bodies: Criticisms of Labia Depend on the Gender and Sexual Orientation of Perceivers. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022:1-14. [PMID: 36017996 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2112647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The heterosexual male gaze is often credited with producing bodily anxieties among women, yet empirical and popular cultural evidence suggest gay men have especially negative views toward women's bodies, particularly women's genitalia. Across two studies (N = 6,129; Mage = 27.58; 2,047 women, 4,082 men) we conducted secondary analyses of existing datasets to test the hypotheses that gay men would evaluate labia more negatively than heterosexual men, and that lesbian women would evaluate labia more positively than heterosexual women. We conducted fixed-effects mini meta-analyses to estimate summary effect sizes for perceptions of normalcy and fit with societal ideals; we additionally assessed an outcome of disgust in Study 2. We found support for our hypotheses: For normalcy and societal ideal, we found small summary effects such that gay men evaluated labia more negatively than heterosexual men, and medium summary effects such that lesbian women evaluated labia more positively than heterosexual women. Gay men also rated labia as more disgusting than any other demographic group, and lesbian women rated the stimuli as less disgusting than heterosexual women, supporting our hypotheses. The current findings suggest a pressing need to acknowledge and incorporate gay men's perceptions of women's bodies into literatures on misogyny, objectification, and body image more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Oswald
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University
- Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Pennsylvania State University
| | | | - Jes L Matsick
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University
- Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Pennsylvania State University
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23
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Media pressure and the process of Westernization in the context of body self-assessment among young heterosexual and gay Polish men. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272907. [PMID: 35994493 PMCID: PMC9394821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass media and social networks portray a unified image of the perfect male body. The intensity and universality of this influence is an important element of the process of Westernization, especially in traditional cultures such as that of Poland. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the differences between Polish gay and heterosexual men in terms of the role played by self-esteem and the level of internalization of sociocultural standards of body appearance as predictors of the development of their body images. The research study was conducted by reference to 19- to 29-year-old Polish heterosexual (n = 287) and gay (n = 97) men. The variables were measured using Polish versions of the Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Scale-3, the Self-Esteem Scale, and the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire. Statistical analyses identified several variables as the main predictors of body image in both heterosexual and gay young men: self-esteem, information-seeking, perceived pressure and the internalization of sociocultural standards regarding an athletic body image drawn from mass media. The only significant difference between the two groups was the fact that self-esteem, perceived pressure and the internalization of sociocultural standards from mass media did not play a predictive role with respect to Appearance Orientation among the group of gay men.
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24
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Hazzard VM, Schaefer LM, Thompson JK, Murray SB, Frederick DA. Measurement invariance of body image measures by age, gender, sexual orientation, race, weight status, and age: The U.S. Body Project I. Body Image 2022; 41:97-108. [PMID: 35247868 PMCID: PMC9167237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite growing interest in comparing body image experiences across diverse groups, limited work has examined whether body image measures operate similarly across different populations, raising important questions about the appropriateness of comparing scale means across demographic groups. This study employed measurement invariance testing to evaluate whether such comparisons are appropriate with existing body image measures. Specifically, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using a community sample of 11,620 men and women to test increasing levels of invariance (configural, metric, scalar) across five key demographic variables (age group, gender, sexual orientation, race, weight status) for five commonly used body image measures (the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4, the Body Surveillance subscale of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale, the Appearance Evaluation and Overweight Preoccupation subscales of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, and the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory). Results provided evidence of scalar (i.e., strong) invariance for all five measures across age, gender, sexual orientation, race, and weight status groups, indicating that the latent factors captured by these measures have the same meaning across demographic groups. Findings therefore support the comparison of scale/subscale means across multiple demographic groups for these body image measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stuart B. Murray
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David A. Frederick
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
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25
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Frederick DA, Gordon AR, Cook-Cottone CP, Brady JP, Reynolds TA, Alley J, Garcia JR, Brown TA, Compte EJ, Convertino L, Crerand CE, Malcarne VL, Nagata JM, Parent MC, Pennesi JL, Perez M, Pila E, Rodgers RF, Schaefer LM, Thompson JK, Tylka TL, Murray SB. Demographic and sociocultural predictors of sexuality-related body image and sexual frequency: The U.S. Body Project I. Body Image 2022; 41:109-127. [PMID: 35247866 PMCID: PMC9729002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Body image is a critical component of an individual's sexual experiences. This makes it critical to identify demographic and sociocultural correlates of sexuality-related body image: the subjective feelings, cognitions, and evaluations related to one's body in the context of sexual experience. We examined how sexuality-related body image differed by gender, sexual orientation, race, age, and BMI. Four items assessing sexuality-related body image were completed by 11,620 U.S. adults: self-perceived sex appeal of their body, nude appearance satisfaction, and the extent to which they believed that body image positively or negatively affected their sexual enjoyment and feelings of sexual acceptability as a partner. Men reported slightly less nude appearance dissatisfaction and fewer negative effects of body image on sexual enjoyment and sexual acceptability than women, but did not differ in reported sex appeal. Poorer sexuality-related body image was reported by people with higher BMIs, not in relationships, who had sex less frequently, among White compared to Black women and men, and among gay compared to heterosexual men. Data also revealed a subgroup of respondents who reported that their body image had a positive impact on their sex lives. The findings highlight a need for interventions addressing sexuality-related body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Frederick
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA,Corresponding author. (D.A. Frederick)
| | - Allegra R. Gordon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine P. Cook-Cottone
- Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - John P. Brady
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tania A. Reynolds
- Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jenna Alley
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Justin R. Garcia
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tiffany A. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Emilio J. Compte
- School of Psychology, Adolfo Ibáñez University, Santiago, Chile,Research Department, Comenzar de Nuevo Treatment Center, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Lexie Convertino
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Canice E. Crerand
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Jason M. Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael C. Parent
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jamie-Lee Pennesi
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marisol Perez
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Eva Pila
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel F. Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Tracy L. Tylka
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stuart B. Murray
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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26
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Frederick DA, Hazzard VM, Schaefer LM, Rodgers RF, Gordon AR, Tylka TL, Pennesi JL, Convertino L, Parent MC, Brown TA, Compte EJ, Cook-Cottone CP, Crerand CE, Malcarne VL, Nagata JM, Perez M, Pila E, Thompson JK, Murray SB. Sexual orientation differences in pathways from sociocultural and objectification constructs to body satisfaction: The U.S. Body Project I. Body Image 2022; 41:181-194. [PMID: 35272100 PMCID: PMC9812653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectification theory and the tripartite influence model provide useful frameworks for understanding the body image experiences of men and women. However, there is little systematic investigation of how sexual orientation moderates the links between these constructs and body image satisfaction. It has been hypothesized, for example, that the associations of surveillance (i.e., monitoring of one's appearance due to objectification by others) would be strongest for groups targeted by the male gaze (e.g., gay men, lesbian women, and bisexual men and women). Here we proposed an integrated sociocultural model and examined these pathways in multigroup structural equation models in a national sample of heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian women (ns = 5395; 598; 213, respectively), and heterosexual, bisexual, and gay men (4869; 194; and 194, respectively) aged 18-65 years. Sexual orientation moderated some of these pathways. The most consistent pattern was that appearance pressures were internalized to a greater extent among bisexual participants. The pathways to poorer body image were generally similar among heterosexual and gay/lesbian men and women. These findings highlight the importance of examining sexual orientation-specific influences on body image across diverse groups, as well as the commonalities in the experiences of men and women across sexual orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Frederick
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA,Corresponding authors. (D.A. Frederick), (V.M. Hazzard)
| | - Vivienne M. Hazzard
- Sanford Center for Bio-behavioral Research, Fargo, ND, USA,Corresponding authors. (D.A. Frederick), (V.M. Hazzard)
| | | | - Rachel F. Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allegra R. Gordon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tracy L. Tylka
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jamie-Lee Pennesi
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lexie Convertino
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael C. Parent
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tiffany A. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Emilio J. Compte
- School of Psychology, Adolfo Ibáñez University, Santiago, Chile,Research Department, Comenzar de Nuevo Treatment Center, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Catherine P. Cook-Cottone
- Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Canice E. Crerand
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Jason M. Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marisol Perez
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ, USA
| | - Eva Pila
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stuart B. Murray
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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27
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Frederick DA, Reynolds TA, Barrera CA, Murray SB. Demographic and sociocultural predictors of face image satisfaction: The U.S. Body Project I. Body Image 2022; 41:1-16. [PMID: 35228101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite substantial literature surrounding how people process and perceive faces, there is very little research investigating how people evaluate their own faces. We examined how gender, body mass, race, age, and sexual orientation were linked to people's satisfaction with the appearance of their eyes, nose, facial shape, and face overall among 11,620 adults recruited via Mechanical Turk. Most people mostly or definitely agreed they were happy with their facial appearance. There were notable racial differences, with Asian participants tending to report greater dissatisfaction. For example, only 66% of Asian women and 60% of Asian men mostly or definitely agreed that they were happy with the appearance of their eyes, which was lower than other racial groups. BMI and age were not strongly associated with face satisfaction. Sexual minority men were less satisfied than heterosexual men. About one in four gay and bisexual men, compared to only one in seven heterosexual men, reported dissatisfaction with their overall facial appearance. Men and women with poorer face image engaged in more appearance surveillance, more strongly internalized the thin-ideal, and perceived stronger sociocultural pressures from peers, parents, and media. The current study highlights important sociocultural and demographic factors tied to poorer face image.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Frederick
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA.
| | - Tania A Reynolds
- Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA; The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Carlos A Barrera
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stuart B Murray
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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28
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Frederick DA, Crerand CE, Brown TA, Perez M, Best CR, Cook-Cottone CP, Compte EJ, Convertino L, Gordon AR, Malcarne VL, Nagata JM, Parent MC, Pennesi JL, Pila E, Rodgers RF, Schaefer LM, Thompson JK, Tylka TL, Murray SB. Demographic predictors of body image satisfaction: The U.S. Body Project I. Body Image 2022; 41:17-31. [PMID: 35220024 PMCID: PMC9744633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We examined how gender, body mass, race, age, and sexual orientation were linked to appearance evaluation, overweight preoccupation, and body image-related quality of life among 11,620 adults recruited via Mechanical Turk. Men were less likely than women to report low appearance evaluation, high overweight preoccupation, negative effects of body image on their quality of life, being on a weight-loss diet, and trying to lose weight with crash diets/fasting. Racial differences were generally small, but greater appearance evaluation was reported by Black men versus other groups and Black women versus White women. Across all measures, gay and bisexual men reported poorer body image than heterosexual men, with only small effect sizes observed for sexual orientation differences among women. Body mass, but not age, was strongly associated with body image. The prevalence of poor body image highlights the need for interventions. On the positive side, half of men and women reported high appearance evaluation. Examination of this group could identify factors promoting positive body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Frederick
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA,Corresponding author. (D.A. Frederick)
| | - Canice E. Crerand
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA,Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Tiffany A. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marisol Perez
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Cassidy R. Best
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Catherine P. Cook-Cottone
- Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Emilio J. Compte
- School of Psychology, Adolfo Ibáñez University, Santiago, Chile,Research Department, Comenzar de Nuevo Treatment Center, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Lexie Convertino
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Allegra R. Gordon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason M. Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael C. Parent
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jamie-Lee Pennesi
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eva Pila
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel F. Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Tracy L. Tylka
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stuart B. Murray
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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29
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Markey CH, August KJ, Kelly K, Dunaev JP. Perceptions of Weight Change Among Romantic Partners: Considering Body Image, Relationship Experiences, Gender, and Sexual Orientation. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:798257. [PMID: 35669312 PMCID: PMC9163392 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.798257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Romantic relationship experiences have been found to be relevant to body image and weight in adulthood. In this study, we investigated predictors of heterosexual, lesbian, and gay romantic partners' (N = 500, Mage = 29.3) perceptions of their own and their partners' weight at the beginning of their relationship and 4.8 years later, on average. Perceived changes in participants' own weight status was associated with greater body dissastisfaction and longer relationship length. Perceived changes in partners' weight status was associated with their partners' BMI, as well as relationship quality. We also found that gender was important in understanding some of these associations. Implications of weight perceptions for individuals' and their partners' health and well-being and the critical role of relationship quality are discussed in the context of the health regulation model.
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30
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Ruiz de Assin Varela PM, Caperos JM, Gismero-González E. Sexual attraction to men as a risk factor for eating disorders: the role of mating expectancies and drive for thinness. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:52. [PMID: 35428366 PMCID: PMC9013141 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men tend to give more importance than women to physical aspects when selecting a partner; thus, the internalization of beauty standards and the ideal of thinness may be greater in populations attracted to men, placing them at a higher risk of eating disorders. METHODS In a sample (n = 398) of heterosexual and gay men and women, we evaluated the drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and bulimic symptomatology. Using ANCOVAs, we analyzed the differences in symptoms score according to sex, sexual orientation and relational status including body mass index (BMI) as covariate; we also evaluated the mediating role of drive for thinness in the relationship between sexual orientation and body dissatisfaction. RESULTS We found an increased drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction in men-attracted compared with women-attracted participants; also, body dissatisfaction was greater in women than in men. Heterosexual women presented higher bulimia scores than lesbian women. Gay men open to relationships presented higher drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction scores than those not-open to relationships. Finally, differences in body dissatisfaction between gay and heterosexual men were fully explained by drive for thinness, while, in the case of women, drive for thinness only partially explained these differences. CONCLUSIONS Attraction to men seems to be a risk factor for EDs in the case of gay men and heterosexual women. In addition, in the case of heterosexual women, other factors independent of the desire to attract men seem to be important.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Manuel Caperos
- UNINPSI Clinical Psychology Center, and Psychology Department, Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Gismero-González
- UNINPSI Clinical Psychology Center, and Psychology Department, Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Soulliard ZA, Vander Wal JS. Measurement invariance and psychometric properties of three positive body image measures among cisgender sexual minority and heterosexual women. Body Image 2022; 40:146-157. [PMID: 34959130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Positive body image is a multidimensional construct consisting of various facets including body appreciation, body image flexibility, and functionality appreciation measured via the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-5 (BI-AAQ-5), and Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS), respectively. Research has supported the unidimensional factor structure of these measures; however, invariance testing based on sexual identity has yet to be conducted. The study's primary aim was to assess the measurement invariance of the BAS-2, BI-AAQ-5, and FAS between sexual minority and heterosexual women. The secondary aim was to assess the psychometric properties of each positive body image measure among each sample. Participants were predominantly White, cisgender women who identified as a sexual minority (n = 310) or heterosexual (n = 360) and completed online questionnaires of positive body image, eating behaviors, and mental and physical health. Results supported invariance with no differences in BAS-2 or BI-AAQ-5 scores. A significant difference with a small effect size was found in FAS scores, with sexual minority women reporting lower FAS scores. Findings supported the BI-AAQ-5 and FAS's incremental validity on perceived mental health. Overall, results suggest that the BAS-2, BI-AAQ-5, and FAS scores can be compared among women of varying sexual identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Soulliard
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 220 E. 23rd Street, Suite 405, New York, NY 10010, USA.
| | - Jillon S Vander Wal
- Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, 3700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA.
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32
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Hazzard VM, Schaefer LM, Thompson JK, Rodgers RF, Frederick DA. An abbreviated 10-item, two-factor version of the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI-10): The U.S. Body Project I. Body Image 2022; 40:285-294. [PMID: 35085864 PMCID: PMC8891083 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to re-examine the factor structure of the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI), a measure that quantifies perceived effects of one's body image on various aspects of psychosocial functioning. Data on the 19-item BIQLI from a community sample of 11,620 U.S. men and women were split into cross-validation samples and underwent exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. An abbreviated 10-item, two-factor version of the BIQLI (BIQLI-10) was identified. The BIQLI-10 measures Social Relations & Psychological Well-Being with one subscale and Appearance & Body Management Activities with the other. Internal consistency was high for each subscale. The BIQLI-10 largely retained the convergent validity of the original 19-item BIQLI, as evidenced by nearly identical correlations with appearance evaluation, overweight preoccupation, body surveillance, appearance pressures, and appearance ideal internalization. Results also supported strong measurement invariance for the BIQLI-10 by age group, gender, sexual orientation, racial group, and weight status. Findings from this study suggest researchers may use this abbreviated version to increase nuance in the measurement of body image quality of life and reduce participant burden without compromising the psychometric integrity of the BIQLI. Further, results support the comparison of BIQLI-10 subscale scores across diverse groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. Kevin Thompson
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Rachel F. Rodgers
- Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU Montpellier, France
| | - David A. Frederick
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
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33
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Portingale J, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Liu S, Eddy S, Liu X, Giles S, Krug I. Love me Tinder: The effects of women's lifetime dating app use on daily body dissatisfaction, disordered eating urges, and negative mood. Body Image 2022; 40:310-321. [PMID: 35121567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Dating apps may potentially serve as an environment that subjects young women to the harmful effects of appearance-related pressure. The current study assessed for the first time whether women's dating app use predicted body dissatisfaction (BD), urges to engage in disordered eating (DE), and negative mood in daily life. We also examined the unique effects of women's dating app partner preferences (i.e., seeking idealised versus non-idealised physical characteristics) on the aforementioned outcomes, and whether appearance-based rejection sensitivity (appearance-RS) moderated the effects of dating app use. Participants (N = 296; 100% women) first completed a baseline survey assessing lifetime dating app usage (i.e., current or former usage), partner preferences, and appearance-RS, followed by a 7-day smartphone-facilitated ecological investigation into momentary experiences of BD, DE urges (i.e., binge-eating/purging, dietary restraint, and exercise), and negative mood. Ninety-four women (32%) reported lifetime dating app usage, which, relative to non-use, predicted greater daily urges for binge-eating/purging and negative mood. However, appearance-RS failed to moderate these effects. Among dating app users, partner preferences were not a significant predictor of the central outcomes. These findings extend previous research by examining the unique effects of dating app use on everyday BD, DE urges, and negative mood. Replication and extension are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Portingale
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Eddy
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Giles
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Isabel Krug
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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34
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Soulliard ZA, Layland EK, Smith JC, Kipke MD, Bray BC. Body Image Concerns, Correlates, and Community Connection Among Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Cisgender Men and Transgender/Gender Nonconforming Young Adults. LGBT Health 2022; 9:122-130. [PMID: 34981966 PMCID: PMC8968849 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractPurpose: We extended the focus on body image research beyond cisgender, White sexual minority men (SMM) by describing body image concerns among Black and Latinx SMM and transgender/gender nonconforming (TGNC) adults and by examining protective effects of community connection. Methods: From 2016 to 2020, 447 Black and Latinx SMM (94%) and TGNC (6%) individuals in Los Angeles provided data semiannually. Participant endorsement of any body image concerns was determined by five body image codes (weight, fitness, appearance, body area dissatisfaction, and general body image) applied to participants' open-ended lists of health and body concerns. Fixed effects multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between gay and racial/ethnic community connection and odds of any body image concerns, accounting for multiple records per person. An interaction term between gay and racial/ethnic community connection approximated the protective effect of connection to multiple, intersecting communities. Results: The majority of participants (51%) reported a body image concern, most commonly weight concerns, at least once across three years. Body image concerns were more common among Latinx participants (χ2 = 17.79, p < 0.001) and participants experiencing food insecurity (χ2 = 4.11, p = 0.04) and unmet basic financial needs (χ2 = 10.56, p = 0.001). Gay community connection was protective against body image concerns, but only for participants who had high racial/ethnic community connection (adjusted odds ratio = 0.87, p = 0.05). Conclusion: Body image concerns were notable, especially among those with low community connection and higher socioeconomic burden. These findings suggest that building connections within SMM/TGNC and racial/ethnic communities may aid in building a support network that buffers against body image concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Soulliard
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Address correspondence to: Zachary A. Soulliard, PhD, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Suite 316, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Eric K. Layland
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | - Bethany C. Bray
- Institute for Health Research and Policy, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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35
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Austen E, Griffiths S. Weight stigma predicts reduced psychological wellbeing and weight gain among sexual minority men: A 12-month longitudinal cohort study using random intercept cross-lagged panel models. Body Image 2022; 40:19-29. [PMID: 34800860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Weight stigma among sexual minority men predicts negative health outcomes; however, existing research is cross-sectional. Therefore, we longitudinally examined the presence, strength, and direction of relationships between weight stigma and health outcomes in a multi-national cohort of 2953 sexual minority men (Mage = 37.70, SDage = 13.70). Participants reported their Body Mass Index (BMI), experiences of weight discrimination, internalized weight bias, and psychological quality of life at three time-points over 12 months (~August 2019-20). Analyses revealed feedback loops of internalized weight bias with BMI and psychological quality of life: over time, increases in internalized weight bias were associated with small BMI increases (β = 0.07) and small decreases in psychological quality of life (β = 0.12). Reciprocally, increases in BMI and decreases in psychological quality of life were associated with increases in internalized weight bias (βs = 0.18). Experiences of weight discrimination were not longitudinally predictive and were associated with higher BMI (β = 0.29), greater internalized weight bias (β = 0.29), and lower psychological quality of life (β = 0.26) between-persons/cross-sectionally only. Weight stigma is longitudinally and reciprocally associated with reduced psychological wellbeing and weight gain among sexual minority men. Internalized weight bias is a particularly promising intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Austen
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Scott Griffiths
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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36
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Frederick DA, Pila E, Malcarne VL, Compte EJ, Nagata JM, Best CR, Cook-Cottone CP, Brown TA, Convertino L, Crerand CE, Parent MC, Pennesi JL, Perez M, Rodgers RF, Schaefer LM, Thompson JK, Tylka TL, Murray SB. Demographic predictors of objectification theory and tripartite influence model constructs: The U.S. Body Project I. Body Image 2022; 40:182-199. [PMID: 34972020 PMCID: PMC9750803 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We examined how demographic factors (gender, sexual orientation, racial group, age, body mass) were linked to measures of sociocultural appearance concerns derived from objectification theory and the tripartite influence model (McKinley & Hyde, 1996; Schaefer et al., 2015) among 11,620 adults. Men were less likely than women to report high body surveillance, thin-ideal internalization, appearance-related media pressures, and family pressures; did not differ in peer pressures; and reported greater muscle/athletic internalization. Both men and women expressed greater desire for their bodies to look "very lean" than to look "very thin". Compared to gay men, heterosexual men reported lower body surveillance, thin-ideal internalization, peer pressures, and media pressures. Black women reported lower thin-ideal internalization than White, Hispanic, and Asian women, whereas Asian women reported greater family pressures. Being younger and having higher BMIs were associated with greater sociocultural appearance concerns across most measures. The variation in prevalence of sociocultural appearance concerns across these demographic groups highlights the need for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Frederick
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA,Correspondence to: 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92860, USA. , (D.A. Frederick).
| | - Eva Pila
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Emilio J. Compte
- School of Psychology, Adolfo Ibáñez University, Santiago, Chile,Research Department, Comenzar de Nuevo Treatment Center, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jason M. Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cassidy R. Best
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Catherine P. Cook-Cottone
- Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany A. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lexie Convertino
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Canice E. Crerand
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA,Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael C. Parent
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jamie-Lee Pennesi
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marisol Perez
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rachel F. Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Tracy L. Tylka
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stuart B. Murray
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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37
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Spivak-Lavi Z, Gewirtz-Meydan A. Eating Disorders and Sexual Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Body Image Self-consciousness during Physical Intimacy and Dissociation. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:344-353. [PMID: 34269636 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1948491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Women with eating disorders experience difficulties related to sexual activity, yet little is known about the indirect association between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction. This study examined the indirect association between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction using body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy and dissociation as mediators. Online questionnaires were answered by 985 Israeli women. Of them, 98 were identified as likely to have eating disorders (study group). A matching control group (n = 98) was selected from the remaining respondents. Participants in the study group had significantly higher body image self-consciousness and dissociation than the matched controls, as well as significantly lower sexual satisfaction. The research model revealed that body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy mediates the link between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction, while dissociation does not. Women with eating disorders have higher levels of self-consciousness about their body during sexual activity, which may distract them from their own sexual needs and desires and those of their partners, and this, in turn, is associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Findings highlight the need for improved evidenced-based assessment and management of the sexual satisfaction of women with eating disorders.Abbreviations: ED: eating disorders; AN: anorexia nervosa; BN: bulimia nervosa; BED: binge eating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Spivak-Lavi
- Faculty of Social Work & Faculty of Education, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College
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38
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Jhe GB, Mereish EH, Gordon AR, Woulfe JM, Katz-Wise SL. Associations between anti-bisexual minority stress and body esteem and emotional eating among bi+ individuals: The protective role of individual- and community-level factors. Eat Behav 2021; 43:101575. [PMID: 34757266 PMCID: PMC8739806 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2021.101575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bisexual individuals experience prejudice specifically related to their bisexual identity, and these experiences may compound extant risk for disordered eating behaviors and body esteem concerns. However, little is known about how sexual minority stress related to bisexual orientation is associated with emotional eating and body esteem. The current study examined the associations between bisexual-specific minority stress and emotional eating and body esteem in a sample of bisexual plus (bi+) adults (including bisexual, pansexual, queer, and those with attractions to more than one gender regardless of identity), and tested the moderating effects of identity centrality, affirmation, and community connectedness as potential protective factors. This study leveraged data from an online survey of 498 adults (77.46% cisgender women; 79.7% White), ages 18 to 64 years (M = 28.5; SD = 9.59). Bisexual-specific minority stress was associated with more emotional eating (β = 0.15, p = .013) and lower body esteem (β = -0.16, p = .005), while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, and heterosexist minority stress. This finding remained the same when sensitivity analyses were conducted with participants who identified specifically as bisexual. Identity centrality and affirmation and community connectedness did not demonstrate moderating effects but they had main effects, such that they were positively associated with body esteem (β = 0.16, p = .001; β = 0.21, p < .001; β = 0.13, p = .004, respectively). Results suggest that anti-bisexual minority stress has a unique association with bi+ individuals' emotional eating and body esteem, and identified potential individual- and community-level protective factors for body esteem. These findings inform future research and interventions for this understudied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace B. Jhe
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America,Corresponding author at: Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America. (G.B. Jhe)
| | - Ethan H. Mereish
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Allegra R. Gordon
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America,Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Julie M. Woulfe
- Barnes Center at the Arch, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Sabra L. Katz-Wise
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Cordes M, Vocks S, Hartmann AS. Appearance-Related Partner Preferences and Body Image in a German Sample of Homosexual and Heterosexual Women and Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3575-3586. [PMID: 34713429 PMCID: PMC8604814 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that gender as well as sexual orientation can affect body image. In particular, heterosexual women and homosexual men seem to be more vulnerable to a negative body image compared to homosexual women and heterosexual men. One reason for this may be derived from the fact that heterosexual women and homosexual men try to attract male romantic partners: As men place more importance on physical attractiveness than do women, the pressure to fulfill the sociocultural beauty ideal is thus increased. The present online study investigated differences in appearance-related partner preferences and their associations with measures of body image and eating pathology in homosexual and heterosexual women and men. The non-representative sample consisted of 893 participants (n = 201 lesbian women, n = 192 gay men, n = 349 heterosexual women, and n = 151 heterosexual men), who completed silhouette measures assessing their perception and expectations regarding body fat and muscularity of their own body and the body of a potential romantic partner, as well as questionnaires on drive for thinness, drive for muscularity, and eating pathology. Overall, few differences in appearance-related partner preferences emerged between the four groups. However, compared to heterosexual women, homosexual men appeared to prefer higher muscularity in potential romantic partners, which was also associated with increased drive for thinness and muscularity and increased eating pathology. The present findings indicate that, irrespective of sexual orientation, women and men tend to share similar standards regarding their own and a potential partner's physical appearance, potentially suggesting an increased hegemony of heteronormative beauty ideals in women and men in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Cordes
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069, Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Silja Vocks
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andrea S Hartmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069, Osnabrück, Germany
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Higher Rates of Body Dissatisfaction in Gay Men Leading to a Rise in Cosmetic Surgery. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e3873. [PMID: 34646726 PMCID: PMC8500604 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Elsayed H, O'Connor C, Leyritana K, Salvana E, Cox SE. Depression, Nutrition, and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Men Who Have Sex With Men in Manila, Philippines. Front Public Health 2021; 9:644438. [PMID: 34621715 PMCID: PMC8490818 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.644438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Depression is the most frequently observed psychiatric disorder among HIV patients. The effect of depression on adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) HIV patients has not been well studied in the Philippines. Depression is commonly undiagnosed and consequently untreated, which leads to a negative influence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Other risk factors such as HIV-related stigma, self-body image satisfaction, and nutritional status are recognized as potential barriers to access HIV prevention and treatment services issues and poor adherence. Methods: Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was used to screen depressive symptoms during scheduled clinic visits. ART adherence was self-reported using a visual analog scale questionnaire covering the last 30 days. Structured questionnaires were used for measuring risk factors and socio-demographic data. Anthropometry was conducted and body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: One-hundred and ninety-three participants were recruited from the SHIP clinic between 7th March and 30th September 2018, of whom, 42 (21.8%) screened positive for depression (HADS score ≥ 8) and 24 (12.4%) were non-adherent to ART (<95% of medication taken as prescribed). The most common reported reason for non-adherence was simply forgotten (18 out of 42, 42.9%). Increasing depressive symptoms were associated with non-adherence [crude odds ratio (OR) = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.02–1.26]. Social family support (SFS) and body image (BI) scores were also associated with non-adherence, but were not statistically significant in multivariable models. Factors significantly associated with depressive symptoms (but not non-adherence) included the following: using intravenous drugs, being in a relationship, anxiety, self-esteem, and stigma scores. Conclusions: Increased depression symptoms, low social family support, and body image dissatisfaction may be interconnected risk factors for ART non-adherence among Filipino MSM HIV patients. Comprehensive mental health services beyond regular post-HIV testing counseling may increase adherence to ART and improve HIV treatment outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to address the causal/reverse causal pathway between depression and non-adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Elsayed
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Cara O'Connor
- Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), Mandaluyong, Philippines.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katerina Leyritana
- Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), Mandaluyong, Philippines
| | - Edsel Salvana
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Sharon E Cox
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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42
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Compte EJ, Cattle CJ, Lavender JM, Murray SB, Brown TA, Capriotti MR, Flentje A, Lubensky ME, Obedin-Maliver J, Lunn MR, Nagata JM. Psychometric evaluation of the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) among cisgender gay men and cisgender lesbian women. Body Image 2021; 38:241-250. [PMID: 33962223 PMCID: PMC8635416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing empirical interest in muscle dysmorphia (MD), a dearth of research has assessed this construct in sexual minority populations. In particular, the psychometric properties of one of the most widely used measures of MD symptoms-the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI)-have not been evaluated in sexual minority populations despite emerging evidence suggesting differential risk for MD symptoms across sexual orientation groups. In this study, we assessed the psychometric properties of the MDDI in a sample of 715 cisgender gay men and 404 cisgender lesbian women ages 18-50 years who participated in a large-scale national longitudinal cohort study of sexual and gender minority adults. The factor structure of the MDDI was examined in each sample using a two-step, split-sample exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approach. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure in both samples, which were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Moreover, results supported the internal consistency reliability and convergent validity of the MDDI subscales in both samples. Cumulatively, these findings suggest that the MDDI is an appropriate measure of MD symptoms among cisgender gay men and cisgender lesbian women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio J Compte
- Eating Behavior Research Center, School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile; Research Department, Comenzar de Nuevo Treatment Center, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Chloe J Cattle
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jason M Lavender
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Program (MiCOR), Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Stuart B Murray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany A Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State University Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Matthew R Capriotti
- Department of Psychology, San José State University, San Jose, CA, USA; The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Annesa Flentje
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Alliance Health Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Micah E Lubensky
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juno Obedin-Maliver
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell R Lunn
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jason M Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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D’Ecclesiis O, Caini S, Martinoli C, Raimondi S, Gaiaschi C, Tosti G, Queirolo P, Veneri C, Saieva C, Gandini S, Chiocca S. Gender-Dependent Specificities in Cutaneous Melanoma Predisposition, Risk Factors, Somatic Mutations, Prognostic and Predictive Factors: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7945. [PMID: 34360236 PMCID: PMC8345480 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Over the last decades, the incidence of melanoma has been steadily growing, with 4.2% of the population worldwide affected by cutaneous melanoma (CM) in 2020 and with a higher incidence and mortality in men than in women. We investigated both the risk factors for CM development and the prognostic and predictive factors for survival, stratifying for both sex and gender. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of studies indexed in PUB-MED, EMBASE, and Scopus until 4 February 2021. We included reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses investigating differences between women and men in CM risk factors and in prognostic and predictive factors for CM survival. DATA SYNTHESIS Twenty-four studies were included, and relevant data extracted. Of these, 13 studies concerned potential risk factors, six concerned predictive factors, and five addressed prognostic factors of melanoma. DISCUSSION The systematic review revealed no significant differences in genetic predisposition to CM between males and females, while there appear to be several gender disparities regarding CM risk factors, partly attributable to different lifestyles and behavioral habits between men and women. There is currently no clear evidence of whether the mutational landscapes of CM differ by sex/gender. Prognosis is justified by a complex combination of phenotypes and immune functions, while reported differences between genders in predicting the effectiveness of new treatments are inconsistent. Overall, the results emerging from the literature reveal the importance of considering the sex/gender variable in all studies and pave the way for including it towards precision medicine. CONCLUSIONS Men and women differ genetically, biologically, and by social construct. Our systematic review shows that, although fundamental, the variable sex/gender is not among the ones collected and analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriana D’Ecclesiis
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO—European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (O.D.); (C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Saverio Caini
- Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Via Cosimo il Vecchio 2, 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Martinoli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO—European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (O.D.); (C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Sara Raimondi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO—European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (O.D.); (C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Camilla Gaiaschi
- GENDERS Center, Department of Social and Political Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.G.); (C.V.)
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Tosti
- Division of Melanoma Surgery, Sarcoma and Rare Tumors, IEO—European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (G.T.); (P.Q.)
| | - Paola Queirolo
- Division of Melanoma Surgery, Sarcoma and Rare Tumors, IEO—European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (G.T.); (P.Q.)
| | - Camilla Veneri
- GENDERS Center, Department of Social and Political Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.G.); (C.V.)
| | - Calogero Saieva
- Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Via Cosimo il Vecchio 2, 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Sara Gandini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO—European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (O.D.); (C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO—European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (O.D.); (C.M.); (S.R.)
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Joy P, Goldberg L, Numer M, Kirk S, Aston M, Rehman L. Compassionate Bodies, Compassionate Practice: Navigating Body Image Tensions among Gay Men. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2021; 82:115-120. [PMID: 34286627 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2021-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Our purpose in writing this Perspective in Practice is to create awareness about the role of compassion within dietetic practice, particularly the role of compassion for body image tensions. Nine self-identifying gay men were recruited to a photovoice research study that explored their beliefs, values, and practices relating to food and their bodies. Compassion was found as one way to navigate body images tensions. It is not the intent of this article to review all aspects of this research study but to use it as an example to illustrate compassion in dietetics. We suggest that our findings reveal the strength of using compassionate practice within the dietetic profession. In doing so, we call upon dietitians to incorporate compassion into their clinical and client care practices to foster health and healing for all communities, especially among those who struggle with body image tensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Joy
- Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.,School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
| | - Lisa Goldberg
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
| | - Matthew Numer
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
| | - Sara Kirk
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
| | - Megan Aston
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
| | - Laurene Rehman
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
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Ching BHH, Chen TT, He CC. Testing a dual pathway model of appearance-related commentary in gay men: Appearance contingent self-worth as a moderator. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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46
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Gewirtz-Meydan A, Mitchell KJ, Spivak-Lavi Z. Attachment and Sexual Functioning: Understanding the Mediating Role of Body Image Among LGB and Non-LGB Women. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1245-1257. [PMID: 37057421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite studies showing that individuals with insecure attachment suffer from poor body image, and that poor body image is a main risk factor for sexual dysfunction, the mediating role of body image between attachment insecurities and sexual functioning has not been assessed. Moreover, differences in body self-consciousness among sexual minority women have not been examined, even though LGB individuals have been found to be more conscious of stigma and the disapproval of others. AIM To fill this gap, the current study examines the mediating role of body image self-consciousness between insecure attachment and sexual functioning among LGB and non-LGB women. METHODS The study sample consisted of 1,001 women; of them, 808 defined themselves as heterosexual (80.7%), and 193 (19.3%) identified as LGB. The sample was a convenience sample of women who responded to ads on social media. Participants completed an online questionnaire (via Qualtrics) about their attachment orientation, body-image self-consciousness, and sexual functioning. MAIN OUTCOME Body image self-consciousness mediated the relationship between insecure attachment and sexual dysfunction among women in general and LGB women in particular. RESULTS Results indicated that among LGB women, the relationship between attachment and sexual functioning was fully mediated by body image self-consciousness. For non-LGB women, a full model with statistically significant direct and indirect effects was revealed. Both avoidant attachment and anxious attachment were related to body image self-consciousness which was, in turn, related to sexual functioning. A statistically significant direct path from avoidant attachment to sexual functioning was also revealed. CONCLUSION The study findings contribute to the literature by revealing the mediating role that body image self-consciousness plays between insecure attachment and sexual dysfunction among women in general and LGB women in particular. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study provides support for the negative relationship between body image self-consciousness and sexual functioning of women regardless of sexual orientation, and suggests that women affected by body image concerns might be prone to more sexual dysfunction. Therefore, body image self-consciousness should be brought up in sex therapy sessions and future interventions. Clinicians should also be cognizant of differences between LGB and non-LGB women in terms of this effect, taking into account the history of stigma that LGB women may have endured and how this history affects their body image. Gewirtz-Meydan A, Mitchell KJ, Spivak-Lavi Z. Attachment and Sexual Functioning: Understanding the Mediating Role of Body Image Among LGB and Non-LGB Women. J Sex Med 2021;18:1245-1257.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. Agewirtz-@univ.haifa.ac.il
| | - Kimberly J Mitchell
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, NH, USA
| | - Zohar Spivak-Lavi
- Faculty of Social Work & Faculty of Education, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
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47
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Dahlenburg SC, Hutchinson AD, Gleaves DH. How coming out and community involvement affects body image: An in-depth examination of lesbian women's personal experiences. JOURNAL OF LESBIAN STUDIES 2021; 25:356-376. [PMID: 34157961 DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2021.1937844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Research on body image commonly focuses on the negative aspects of the construct, and the majority of findings related to body image in general arise from quantitative methods of investigation. Furthermore, little is known about the experiences lesbian women go through as they come out, and what consequence this has on their body image. In this study we examined the experiences of 12 lesbian women and explored how coming out affected their body image. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants' ages ranged from 20 to 33 (M = 25). The analysis revealed that all participants reported experiencing improved body image after coming out. Other changes related to the presentation of sexual identity in terms of how they dressed, i.e., presenting as either more masculine or feminine. Most participants reported feeling that the sexual and gender minority community was more accepting of different body shapes and sizes compared to the heteronormative society in which they resided. Negative feelings and experiences related to family situations, and occasionally from within themselves. The results are important in understanding how gender and sexual orientation are intertwined to create a distinct experience of body image in lesbian women, and also to illustrate the heterogeneity of body image within subgroups of women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David H Gleaves
- Justice and Society, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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48
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Komlenac N, Hochleitner M. Heterosexual-identified men’s endorsement of masculinity ideologies moderates associations between pornography consumption, body satisfaction and sexual functioning. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2021.1936616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Komlenac
- Gender Medicine Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Regan H, Jama A, Mantzios M, Keyte R, Egan H. Exploring the Experiences of Gay Men with Regards to Eating, Exercise, and Mindfulness-Based Concepts. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211016341. [PMID: 34041991 PMCID: PMC8165848 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211016341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing research investigating gay men’s eating behavior has focused on stereotypes and body image, rather than to understand why disordered eating is prevalent in gay men. The current study adopted a qualitative approach and employed interview methodology to explore gay men’s attitudes, feelings and experiences of their eating behavior, and the potential link to mindfulness and self-compassion. Twenty gay men aged from 21 to 51 years were interviewed using an interview schedule with open-ended questions. Three main themes emerged from the transcript data sets: “Lean to be Seen,” “Sod it ‘I’ll Have a Pizza,” and “You Can’t Sit with Us.” The first theme was developed following responses that participant’s eating behavior and exercise engagement were influenced by their perceived attractiveness by the gay community. All participants spoke of achieving or maintaining a slim or muscular body type and adopted their eating behavior or exercise regime to reach corresponding goals. The second theme relates to the lack of acceptance felt from the gay community upon not conforming to the bodily expectations set out by the community. The third theme relates to the conflicts in participants’ attitudes around how exercising and eating healthily would improve their mental well-being; but that they also would give preference to calorie dense foods to reduce stress. These reflections are observed through a context of self-kindness and self-compassion and are seen to be related to increased feelings of self-criticism and body dissatisfaction. The limitations and implication for this research and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey Regan
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adrian Jama
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michael Mantzios
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rebecca Keyte
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helen Egan
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
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50
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Frederick D, Gillespie BJ, Lever J, Berardi V, Garcia JR. Sexual Practices and Satisfaction among Gay and Heterosexual Men in Romantic Relationships: A Comparison Using Coarsened Exact Matching in a U.S. National Sample. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:545-559. [PMID: 33428466 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1861424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gay men are underrepresented in research on sexual satisfaction. We examined sexual satisfaction and over 50 sexual practices in an online U.S. national survey of men in relationships. Coarsened exact matching created comparable samples of heterosexual (n = 3527) and gay (n = 452) men on six demographic factors, including relationship length. Results identified many similarities between the groups, including sexual frequency, orgasm frequency, duration of sex, and sexual satisfaction. The majority of heterosexual and gay men expressed physical or emotional affection during their last sexual encounter, reporting that they or their partner said "I love you" (66%; 57%) and engaged in deep kissing (69%; 75%) or gentle kissing (82%; 72%). Heterosexual men were less likely than gay men to usually-always receive (27%; 61%) or give (37%; 68%) oral sex when intimate in the past month; were less likely to view pornography with their partner (35%; 61%); but were more likely to give their partner massages in the past year to improve their sex lives (71%; 58%). Number of sexual communication behaviors was a strong predictor of sexual satisfaction, particularly for gay men (β =.36). These findings enhance our understanding of heterosexual and gay men's sexual lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Frederick
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University
| | | | - Janet Lever
- Department of Sociology, California State University
| | - Vincent Berardi
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University
| | - Justin R Garcia
- The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction and Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University
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