Carlos Saúl Juárez Lugo

Internalization of aesthetic ideals and body concern in males and females gym users

This study explored the internalization of thinness aesthetic body model, and the muscularity and thinness concern, in four groups: two of men and two of women (gym and non-gym users). Specifically, it was explored the presence of symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in four groups, the muscularity -and body shape concern and internalization of thin ideals in the four groups were compared, and the relationship between variables for each group was analyzed. The sample included 467 men and women (169 gym users and 299 non-gym users) from 13 to 53 years-old, who completed three measures: The Influence of the Body Shape Model Questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Drive for Muscularity Scale. The presence of symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in males gym users was 15% and lower than 3% in women gym users, as well as in -males and females non-gym users. The women gym users scored higher in the Body Shape Questionnaire compared to the men, and a positive and significant association was observed between the internalization of the body ideals, the thinness concern, and drive for muscularity. The relationship between Body Shape Questionnaire and Drive for Muscularity Scale can be interpreted as the desire in both groups of men and in the gym-users women to have both, muscularity and leanness in body; both ways lead to the practice of unhealthy eating behaviors.