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Walther A, Möllmann A, Reppenhagen S, Ehlert U, Watzke B, Drüge M, Schneeberger M, Eggenberger L. Men's use of cosmetic surgery and the role of traditional masculinity ideologies. DISCOVER PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 4:113. [PMID: 39247911 PMCID: PMC11379790 DOI: 10.1007/s44202-024-00230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
In western countries, men are increasingly using cosmetic surgery. However, despite this trend, there remains a dearth of information on the prevalence, acceptance, and motivations behind men's use of cosmetic surgery. Furthermore, the potential association between men's use of cosmetic surgery and in particular male-specific cosmetic surgery procedures such as head hair transplant or penis enlargement and traditional masculinity ideologies (TMI) has not been investigated so far. For this purpose, a cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted among 241 self-identifying men aged 18 years or older from the German-speaking part of Europe. Participants responded to questions about cosmetic surgery use and experiences, and completed the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-Short Form (CMNI-SF) and the Male Role Norms Inventory-Short Form (MRNI-SF) questionnaires to assess conformity with and endorsement of TMI. Of the 241 men investigated, 47 (19.5%) had undergone cosmetic surgery. The most common types of cosmetic surgeries reported were wrinkle treatment, eyelid correction, and head-hair transplant. Penis enlargement procedures were reported by three (6.4%) of the 47 men who had undergone cosmetic surgery. The main reasons for undergoing surgery were to feel better (72.3%) and look better (55.3%), while to increase sexual success (17.0%) and to increase manliness (14.9%) were also reported. Logistic regression models showed that higher conformity to TMI (CMNI-SF) was associated with higher odds of having undergone cosmetic surgery. The results highlight the overall increase in men's cosmetic surgery use and its specific characteristics. The significant positive association between conformity to TMI and men's use of cosmetic surgery suggests that men increasingly use cosmetic surgery as a means to assert power, success, dominance, and sexual success. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44202-024-00230-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Walther
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Möllmann
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - S Reppenhagen
- Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - U Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Watzke
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Drüge
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Schneeberger
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - L Eggenberger
- Experimental Pharmacopsychology and Psychological Addiction Research, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Almeida M, Santos CG, de Oliveira Júnior ML, Resende TRO, Blashill AJ, Brown TA, de Carvalho PHB. Dissonance-Based Eating Disorder Prevention for Body-Dissatisfied Brazilian Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial With a 1-Year Follow-Up. Int J Eat Disord 2024. [PMID: 38958485 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gay and bisexual men are at an increased risk for eating disorders (EDs) and muscle dysmorphia (MD) compared with their heterosexual counterparts. Existing dissonance-based (DB) EDs prevention programs for this population have been evaluated in the United States; however, these programs have not been evaluated in the Brazilian context. Thus, we investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a DB ED prevention program (i.e., the PRIDE Body Project) among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men. METHOD Eligible men were randomly assigned to either a DB intervention (n = 74) condition or an assessment-only control (AOC) condition (n = 75). Participants completed measures assessing ED and MD risk and protective factors at baseline, post-intervention, 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. Those in the intervention condition also completed acceptability measures. RESULTS Feasibility and acceptability ratings were highly favorable. Regarding efficacy, post-intervention results were not significant, except for self-objectification, which showed a significantly greater decrease in the DB condition compared with the AOC condition at all time-points of follow-ups (Cohen's d = -0.31 to -0.76). At follow-up, the DB condition showed significantly greater decreases in appearance-ideal internalization, drive for muscularity, self-objectification, ED and MD symptoms at 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups (d = -0.33 to -0.92) compared with the AOC condition. Significant increases were observed in the DB compared with the AOC condition for body appreciation at 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups (d = 0.31-0.81). DISCUSSION Results support the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the PRIDE Body Project up to 1-year in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men. TRIAL REGISTRATION Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC; available at http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/) number of registration: RBR-62fctqz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurício Almeida
- Núcleo Interprofissional de Estudos e Pesquisas em Imagem Corporal e Transtornos Alimentares, Body Image and Eating Disorders Research Group, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- AMBULIM, Eating Disorders Program, Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cleonaldo Gonçalves Santos
- Núcleo Interprofissional de Estudos e Pesquisas em Imagem Corporal e Transtornos Alimentares, Body Image and Eating Disorders Research Group, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mauro Lúcio de Oliveira Júnior
- Núcleo Interprofissional de Estudos e Pesquisas em Imagem Corporal e Transtornos Alimentares, Body Image and Eating Disorders Research Group, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thainá Richelli Oliveira Resende
- Núcleo Interprofissional de Estudos e Pesquisas em Imagem Corporal e Transtornos Alimentares, Body Image and Eating Disorders Research Group, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aaron J Blashill
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tiffany A Brown
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Pedro Henrique Berbert de Carvalho
- Núcleo Interprofissional de Estudos e Pesquisas em Imagem Corporal e Transtornos Alimentares, Body Image and Eating Disorders Research Group, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- AMBULIM, Eating Disorders Program, Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Santoniccolo F, Rollè L. The role of minority stress in disordered eating: a systematic review of the literature. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:41. [PMID: 38850334 PMCID: PMC11162380 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01671-7] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) show a heightened risk of disordered eating compared to heterosexual and cisgender people, a disparity which may be caused by exposure to minority-specific stressors, such as discrimination and violence. This systematic review aims to summarize available evidence on the role of minority stress in disordered eating and SGM-specific aspects. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, scientific search engines (EBSCO, PUBMED, Web of Science) were screened up to 31st of January 2024, including English-language original research papers containing analyses of the relationship between minority stress and disordered eating. 2416 records were gathered for screening. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, thematic analysis was conducted regarding 4 research questions: effects of minority stress on disordered eating, mediating factors, specificities of SGMs and differences between identity categories. RESULTS 30 studies were included. Several aspects of minority stress are reliably associated with different forms of disordered eating. The relationship between minority stressors and disordered eating is mediated by aspects such as shame, body shame, or negative affect. SGMs show several specificities, such as the presence of a role of LGBTQIA + communities and additional gender-related pressures. Bisexual people and gender minorities appear to feature comparatively higher risks, and gender-related factors shape paths leading to disordered eating risk. CONCLUSION Minority stress is an important predictor of disordered eating, making SGM people's health particularly at risk. Institutional and organizational anti-discrimination policies are needed, as well as further research. Clinical interventions may benefit from exploring and incorporating how minority stressors impact SGM people. Evidence level I-Systematic review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Santoniccolo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Torino, TO, Italy.
| | - Luca Rollè
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Torino, TO, Italy
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Dal Brun D, Pescarini E, Calonaci S, Bonello E, Meneguzzo P. Body evaluation in men: the role of body weight dissatisfaction in appearance evaluation, eating, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:65. [PMID: 38773673 PMCID: PMC11110325 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body image dissatisfaction is a significant concern among men, influencing appearance evaluation, eating behaviors, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology. However, research on these correlations is notably deficient in men, largely because body image concerns are unevenly distributed between genders. Therefore, this study aims to assess the various dimensions of concerns about body image in men and explore their associations with characteristics such as sexual orientation. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 adult men from fitness centers in the Veneto Region, Italy. Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R), and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Body weight perception and dissatisfaction were evaluated using a Figure Rating Scale (FRS) with 12 male biometric silhouettes. RESULTS Participants were divided into three subgroups based on the experienced levels of body weight dissatisfaction: those who rated a smaller body (BWsmaller), those who rated a larger body (BWlarger) more highly relative to their own estimated body size, and those who reported implicit neutrality with their current weight (BWneu). BWsmaller participants reported higher levels of eating-related concern, while BWlarger participants exhibited higher levels of muscle dysmorphia. Additionally, the BWlarger group showed the highest degree of quantitative perceptual underestimation of their body weight. Sexual orientation was found to have an impact on body weight dissatisfaction, with bisexual men more likely to desire an increase in weight and gay men more likely to desire a decrease. CONCLUSIONS Body weight dissatisfaction significantly impacts appearance evaluation, eating behaviors, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology in males. Tailored interventions that consider individual differences can support the well-being of men. The study provides useful insight into male body image issues, warranting further exploration to inform effective interventions and promote positive body image and mental health in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dal Brun
- Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Pescarini
- Plastic Surgery Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, ULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Sofia Calonaci
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Elisa Bonello
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, Padova, 35128, Italy.
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Naraindas AM, Moreno M, Cooney SM. Beyond Gender: Interoceptive Sensibility as a Key Predictor of Body Image Disturbances. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 14:25. [PMID: 38247677 PMCID: PMC10812832 DOI: 10.3390/bs14010025] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Body image disturbance (BID) involves negative attitudes towards shape and weight and is associated with lower levels of interoceptive sensibility (IS) (the subjective perceptions of internal bodily states). This association is considered a risk factor for developing eating disorders (EDs) and is linked to altered sensorimotor representations of the body (i.e., body schema). BIDs manifest across genders and are currently understudied in men. This study investigated gender-related differences in BID and its relationship to the body schema and IS. Data were collected from 86 men and 86 women. BID was assessed using questionnaires measuring self-objectification, state, and trait body dissatisfaction. IS was measured via the MAIA-2. The body schema was indexed via an embodied mental rotation task. Results showed that women reported higher BID than men across all scales. Gender differences in sub-components of interoceptive sensibility were found. Overall, both gender and interoceptive sensibility predicted BID. However, interoceptive sensibility exhibited its own unique association with BID beyond the influence of gender. BID, IS and gender were not significant predictors of performance in the body schema task. Therefore, while gender predicts differences in BID and interoceptive sensibility, there was no evidence of gender-related differences in body schema.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah M. Cooney
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 F6X4 Dublin, Ireland;
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Lee M. Validation and measurement invariance of a Korean version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 in cisgender sexual minorities and heterosexual adults. Body Image 2023; 47:101625. [PMID: 37713742 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101625] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) has been validated in various languages across samples with different characteristics. However, its validation and invariance based on sexual orientation in Korean samples have yet to be examined. The current study validated the psychometric properties of the BAS-2 in Korean sexual minorities, and examined measurement invariance between sexual minority and heterosexual individuals and between sexual minority cisgender women and men. Responses from 449 sexual minority and 400 heterosexual individuals were analyzed. In the sexual minority sample, a confirmatory factor analysis supported the scale's unidimensional structure, exhibiting strong factorial validity; further, a correlation analysis revealed positive correlations with body satisfaction, positive sexual minority identity, life satisfaction, and self-esteem, supporting the convergent and criterion-related validity. A hierarchical regression analysis confirmed the incremental validity of the BAS-2 on life satisfaction and self-esteem. The BAS-2 was invariant across women and men at the scalar level in the sexual minority sample, and across sexual minorities and heterosexuals at the partial scalar level in the total sample. Latent mean comparisons indicated no significant differences in BAS-2 scores between sexual minority women and men, while sexual minorities scored significantly lower than heterosexuals. The multiple-indicators multiple-causes model provided evidence of differential item functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsun Lee
- Dept. of Fashion Design, Konkuk University Glocal Campus, 268 Chungwon-daero, Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do 27478, South Korea.
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Stevens SD. Obesity in Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: Prevalence and Correlates. Curr Obes Rep 2023:10.1007/s13679-023-00499-z. [PMID: 37140879 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00499-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] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to explore the prevalence and correlates of obesity among members of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. RECENT FINDINGS Research overall finds higher rates of obesity among lesbian and bisexual women than heterosexual women, lower rates of obesity among gay and bisexual men than heterosexual men, and inconsistent findings on obesity among transgender individuals. Rates of mental health disorders and disordered eating are high among all SGM groups. Rates of comorbid medical conditions differ among groups. More research needs to be conducted within all SGM groups but particularly among transgender populations. All members of SGM encounter stigma, including when seeking healthcare, and this may lead to individuals avoiding healthcare. Therefore, it is important to educate providers about population-specific factors. This article serves as an overview of important considerations for providers treating individuals within SGM populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena D Stevens
- Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave./M61, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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Shepherd BF, Denning DM, Elbe CI, Maki JL, Brochu PM. Status, sexual capital, and intraminority body stigma in a size-diverse sample of gay men. Body Image 2023; 45:219-228. [PMID: 36963337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Gay men are more likely than heterosexual men to experience social pressure based on body weight, shape, and muscularity, which may drive disparities in body image concerns and eating disorders. Utilizing a sample of 1723 gay men living in the United States, the present study examined whether sociodemographic factors (used as proxies for status and sexual capital) and frequency of attending gay-specific establishments or gatherings (community involvement) were associated with gay men's experiences of negative or discriminatory pressures based on body size and shape specifically from other gay men (intraminority body stigma). Experiences of intraminority body stigma were significantly more common among gay men who identified as higher-weight (r = 0.28), less masculine (r = -0.21), less wealthy (r = -0.21), younger (r = -0.21), or people of color (ds = 0.25-0.28). Furthermore, indicators of low status and sexual capital were indirectly associated with less frequent community involvement via more frequent experiences of intraminority body stigma. In addition to frequency, the valence of interactions between gay men should be considered when assessing body image and eating disorder risk in this population. Future research is encouraged to examine intraminority body stigma as an intersectional source of intraminority stress to inform prevention and treatment efforts for gay men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Shepherd
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, United States.
| | - Dominic M Denning
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, United States
| | - Connor I Elbe
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, United States
| | - Justin L Maki
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, United States
| | - Paula M Brochu
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, United States
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