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Kestler-Peleg M, Segev E, Kagan M. Exploring the Role of Discrepancy Stress and Muscle Dysmorphia in the Association Between Gender Role Discrepancy and Masculine Depression in Israeli Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02931-4. [PMID: 38918328 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02931-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Guided by the dynamic model of masculinity and men's psychopathology, the current study aimed to explore the mediating role of masculine discrepancy stress and each of the muscle dysmorphia dimensions (drive for size, appearance intolerance, and functional impairments) in the association between masculine gender role discrepancy and masculine depression. For the present study, 936 Israeli men completed a structured self-report questionnaire. Masculine discrepancy stress and some of the muscle dysmorphia dimensions were found to partially mediate the association between masculine gender role discrepancy and masculine depression. The findings demonstrate how the internalization of social gender expectations and men's gender role discrepancy is reflected in the gap between perception of self and the typical man, which is eventually related to mental health outcomes. In turn, men attempt to mitigate the stress through what they perceive as masculine, reflecting muscle dysmorphia: drive for size, appearance intolerance, and functional impairments, which in turn predict masculine depression. Therefore, mental and physical health professionals are advised to be aware of these mechanisms, in order to recognize the negative mental health outcomes arising from traditional societal gender role expectations and provide specific solutions for them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Einav Segev
- School of Social Work, Sapir Academic College, Sderot, Israel
| | - Maya Kagan
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
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Grunewald W, Ortiz SN, Morgan RW, Smith AR. Does the interpersonal theory of suicide explain relationships between muscle dysmorphia symptoms and suicidal ideation? Body Image 2023; 47:101644. [PMID: 37925828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101644] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms are robustly associated with suicidal thoughts/behaviors. Risk factors for suicidal ideation, such as perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, may help explain the relationship between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation. The current study extended past cross-sectional research by testing if perceived burdensomeness and/or thwarted belongingness mediated longitudinal relationships between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation. Two hundred and sixty-nine U.S. men recruited from Prolific completed self-report measures at three timepoints separated by one month each. Analyses used an adapted version of a longitudinal three-wave mediation model to test study hypotheses. Perceived burdensomeness mediated longitudinal relationships between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation. Thwarted belongingness did not show significant relationships with MD symptoms or suicidal ideation. Results extend past research by demonstrating that perceived burdensomeness may be a mechanism underlying longitudinal relationships between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation while establishing temporal ordering. Clinicians may consider targeting perceived burdensomeness in cases of comorbid MD/suicidality by using techniques that promote interpersonal effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Grunewald
- Auburn University Department of Psychological Sciences, 226 Thach Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Shelby N Ortiz
- Miami University Department of Clinical Psychology, 90 North Patterson Avenue, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
| | - Robert W Morgan
- University of Kansas Department of Psychology, Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
| | - April R Smith
- Auburn University Department of Psychological Sciences, 226 Thach Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Ganson KT, Hallward L, Rodgers RF, Testa A, Jackson DB, Nagata JM. Associations between violent victimization and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia: Findings from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors. Body Image 2023; 46:294-299. [PMID: 37392677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.06.014] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the associations between violent victimization and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (MD) among a sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults. Data from 2538 adolescents and young adults (16-30 years) from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors were analyzed. Violent victimization assessed included experiences of rape, sexual assault, emotional abuse, and physical abuse occurring in the past 12 months. A violent victimization sum score was also created. Symptoms of MD were assessed using the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Linear regression analyses were conducted, stratified by gender, to determine the associations between violent victimization and MDDI total score and subscale scores. Among women and men, experiencing sexual assault, physical abuse, and emotional abuse in the past 12 months were significantly associated with a higher MDDI total score. Additionally, as the number of forms of violent victimization experienced increased, the likelihood of a higher MDDI total score also increased, with the strongest association among women and men who reported experiencing three or more victimizations. Findings expand the limited prior research suggesting associations between violent victimization and MD by assessing these associations via multiple forms of victimization and amongst a sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle T Ganson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Laura Hallward
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel F Rodgers
- Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexander Testa
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dylan B Jackson
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jason M Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Grunewald W, Gagliano E, Brown TA, Smith AR. Conformity to masculine norms, interoceptive dysfunction, and changes in muscle dysmorphia symptoms. Body Image 2023; 45:343-354. [PMID: 37037062 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a psychiatric illness characterized by preoccupation and compulsive behaviors to increase muscle size/definition. Despite its severity, few risk factors/mechanisms for MD have been identified. Conformity to masculine norms may be a MD risk factor. Furthermore, interoceptive dysfunction may facilitate MD. symptoms, as well as underlie relationships between conformity to masculine norms and MD symptoms. However, research has yet to test the mediating role of interoceptive dysfunction for said relationships. The current study tested if interoceptive dysfunction underlies relationships between conformity to masculine norms and MD symptoms among 269 US men who completed three surveys separated by one month that contained measures of focal constructs. Our sample was majority White, heterosexual, and non-Hispanic. A three-wave autoregressive mediation model was tested in which conformity to masculine norms predicted interoceptive dysfunction, which then predicted MD symptoms. Results indicated that conformity to specific masculine norms predicted both interoceptive dysfunction and MD symptoms over time. Furthermore, our hypothesized mediation pathways were not discovered. Conformity to masculine norms appears to be a risk factor for MD symptoms and interoceptive dysfunction. If clinicians can reduce rigid adherence to masculine stereotypes, this may increase connection with one's body and reduce subsequent MD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Grunewald
- Auburn University, Department of Psychological Sciences, 226 Thach Hall Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
| | - Elena Gagliano
- Auburn University, Department of Psychological Sciences, 226 Thach Hall Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Tiffany A Brown
- Auburn University, Department of Psychological Sciences, 226 Thach Hall Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - April R Smith
- Auburn University, Department of Psychological Sciences, 226 Thach Hall Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
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Pecini C, Guizzo F, Bonache H, Borges-Castells N, Morera MD, Vaes J. Sexual objectification: advancements and avenues for future research. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2023.101261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
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Grunewald W, Troop-Gordon W, Smith AR. Relationships between eating disorder symptoms, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and suicidal ideation: A random intercepts cross-lagged panel approach. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:1733-1743. [PMID: 36200702 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23819] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorder (ED) symptoms correlate with suicidality; yet the strength of these relationships in men is unclear. Muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms may reflect a more accurate index of body-related concerns for men, as they better target muscularity concerns typical of men. However, no studies have tested a model in which ED/MD symptoms and suicidality are simultaneously examined. We longitudinally tested whether ED/MD symptoms were related to suicidal ideation among a community sample of men. METHODS Men with MD symptoms (N = 272) were recruited to complete three surveys over 6 weeks. A random intercepts cross-lagged panel model tested predictive associations between ED/MD symptoms and suicidal ideation, while disaggregating between/within-person variance. RESULTS ED/MD symptoms were significantly associated with suicidal ideation at the between-subjects level (ED: b = .04; MD: b = .09) and showed significant within-wave covariances with suicidal ideation (ED: b = .02-.04; MD: b = .02-.05). Those who experienced increases in ED symptoms showed increased suicidal ideation at the next wave (b = .32). Those who experienced increases in suicidal ideation showed increases in MD symptoms at the next wave (b = .85). DISCUSSION Results highlight ED symptoms as a potential risk factor for suicidal ideation among men. Further, suicidal ideation predicted MD symptoms. ED symptoms may create intra- and interpersonal distress predicting suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation may lead to muscle-building behaviors to cope with suicidal thoughts. Clinicians should assess for suicidal ideation among men at risk for MD/EDs, and for MD symptoms among those reporting suicidal ideation. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Eating disorder (ED) symptoms are related to suicidality, but these relationships are understudied among men. Since men report concerns surrounding muscularity, muscle dysmorphia (MD) may be a better ED index for this population. However, little research has investigated relationships between ED symptoms, MD symptoms, and suicidality among men. This study investigated relationships between ED/MD symptoms and suicidality among 272 men. Results may inform clinical assessment, treatment, and classification of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Grunewald
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Wendy Troop-Gordon
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - April R Smith
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Grunewald W, Ortiz SN, Kinkel-Ram SS, Smith AR. Longitudinal relationships between muscle dysmorphia symptoms and suicidal ideation. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2022; 52:683-695. [PMID: 35253940 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is a severe subtype of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) that shares symptomatic overlap with eating disorders. Although associations between eating disorders/BDD and suicidality are well documented, research has rarely examined associations between MD symptoms and suicidality, which is concerning given MD is associated with additional suicide risk factors compared with these disorders. Further, existing associations between MD symptoms and suicidality have yet to establish temporal ordering for these relationships. Therefore, the current study investigated longitudinal relationships between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation to establish the direction of the MD-suicidality relationship. METHODS Participants were 272 US men displaying sub-clinical MD symptoms who completed self-report measurement at three time points over 6 weeks. Longitudinal relationships between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation were examined using a three-wave autoregressive cross-lagged model. RESULTS Certain MD symptoms were longitudinally predicted by suicidal ideation. Specifically, suicidal ideation longitudinally predicted increased drive for size and appearance intolerance. CONCLUSIONS Results may suggest that individuals engage in MD symptoms potentially to cope with distressing thoughts of suicide. Clinicians should provide clients with comorbid MD and suicidality with appropriate coping tools to manage distress from suicidal thoughts outside of engaging in compulsive exercise characteristic of MD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Grunewald
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Shelby N Ortiz
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | | | - April R Smith
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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