DriveforMuscularityorDriveforLowBodyFat?TheRela:onshipamong
Perfec:onism,SexualSa:sfac:on,andMen’sBodyImage
Maegan E. Jones, M.S. 1, Alison L. Brennan, M.S. 1, Mark T. Suffolk, MRes. 1, Elizabeth H. Blodgett Salafia, Ph.D.1, Judith Mergen, M.Ed.2
North Dakota State University1
Westfälische Wilhelms University Mϋnster2
Abstract
Results
Perfectionism has known effects on men’s drive for
low body fat and drive for muscularity (DFM), which
are important indicators of male body image.
However, it is unclear if sexual satisfaction explains
this relationship. We examined whether sexual
depression mediated the link between perfectionism
and both drive for low body fat and DFM among 77
males (Mage=22.16). While all paths were significant
in the first model, the path between sexual
depression and DFM was not significant in the
second. Therefore, although perfectionism has a
direct impact on men’s overall body image, sexual
satisfaction may only explain this relationship in the
case of drive for low body fat.
Two separate path analyses were tested. The first
model examining the direct path between
perfectionism and drive for low body fat, as well as
the indirect path through sexual depression, had
good fit, Χ2 = 1.14, df = 2, p = .57; RMSEA = .00; CFI
= 1.00. The direct effect of perfectionism on drive for
low body fat was significant, p = .05. Furthermore,
the links between perfectionism and sexual
depression (p = .004) and sexual depression and
drive for low body fat (p = .01) were also significant.
*
Introduction
Evidence suggests that men’s drive for low body fat
and drive for muscularity (DFM) are separate
constructs that both impact male body image (e.g.,
Bergeron & Tylka, 2007). Consequently, it is
necessary to differentiate between body fat concerns
and muscularity concerns to fully understand male’s
body image. In addition, though the relationship
between perfectionism and DFM has been
established, some research has indicated a
relationship between perfectionism and drive for low
body fat (Grammas & Schwartz, 2009). However,
potential mediating factors such as sexual
satisfaction have not been fully explored in men,
though a recent study suggests that this relationship
may exist among women (Higgins et al., 2015).
Therefore, this study examined the role of sexual
satisfaction, particularly sexual depression, as a
mediating variable.
***
*
The second model examining the direct path
between perfectionism and DFM, as well as the
indirect path through sexual depression, also had
good fit, Χ2 = 1.14, df = 2, p = .57; RMSEA = .00; CFI
= 1.00. Perfectionism was strongly, directly related to
DFM (p < .001), but while perfectionism was related
to sexual depression (p = .004), sexual depression
did not predict DFM (p = .27).
These results indicate that while sexual depression
partially mediates the relationship between
perfectionism and low body fat, it is not a significant
mediator of the relationship between perfectionism
and DFM.
Discussion
Figure 1. The relationship among perfectionism, drive
for low body fat, and sexual depression among adult
men. * p < .05, ** p < .01, *** p < .001
Method
Participants
•  77 men (18-46; M = 22.16) from a tri-college area in
the Midwestern United States
•  Participants were primarily White (85.7%), straight
(96.1%), and of average BMI (55.8%; M = 25.56)
Procedure
•  Self-report data was gathered via an online
questionnaire, distributed through college Listservs
and flyers placed on the three campuses
•  Participants were entered into a drawing for five
***
$25 gift cards and five $50 gift cards
Measures of Men’s Body Image
•  Drive for Low Body Fat
•  Low Body Fat subscale of the Male Body
Attitudes Scale (Tylka et al., 2005)
•  8 items total; “I think I have too much fat on
my body”
•  Drive for Muscularity
**
•  The Drive for Muscularity Scale (McCreary &
Sasse, 2000)
•  15 items total; “I think I would look better if I
gained 10 pounds in bulk”
Measure of Sexual Satisfaction
•  Sexual Depression subscale of the Sexuality Scale
(Snell & Papini, 1989)
•  8 items; “I feel unhappy about my sexual
relationships”
Measure of Perfectionism
•  Perfectionism subscale of the Eating Disorders
Inventory (Garner et al., 1983
Figure 2. The relationship among perfectionism, drive
•  6 items; “I have extremely high goals”
for muscularity, and sexual depression among adult
Body Mass Index
men. * p < .05, ** p < .01, *** p < .001
•  Body Mass Index was calculated using participants
self-reported weight and height
Because past studies have not considered the
potential effect of sexual satisfaction on the
relationship between men’s perfectionism and body
image, despite available evidence for that
relationship in women, we sought to examine the
potential impact of a type of sexual satisfaction,
sexual depression, on two important indicators of
male body image. We found that while perfectionism
significantly affects both men’s drive for low body fat
and DFM, sexual depression only partially mediates
this relationship in the case of men’s drive for low
body fat. Therefore, while both drive for low body fat
and DFM are significant contributors to men’s body
image, they play distinct roles in men’s lives, and
may differentially affect various aspects of men’s
health.
In addition, perfectionism has an important, direct
impact on the development of men’s overall body
dissatisfaction, but only indirectly through sexual
satisfaction in the case of men’s drive for low body
fat. Therefore, future research efforts should consider
the impact of men’s drive for low body fat and DFM
separately when evaluating men’s body image and
sexual health. In addition, treatment programs for
body dysmorphia must consider the intertwined
nature of body image and sexual health. A significant
contribution of this study is the inclusion of men in
body image research, as body dissatisfaction studies
have historically focused exclusively on female
issues.
Contact
Maegan E. Jones, M.S.
[email protected]
Human Development and Family Science, NDSU
Elizabeth H. Blodgett Salafia, Ph.D.
[email protected]
Human Development and Family Science, NDSU