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Body dissatisfaction in adult men

Body dissatisfaction in adult men
Body dissatisfaction in adult men

Historically, the phenomenon of body dissatisfaction (BD) has received most attention within the field of eating disorders, and has often been investigated in female samples.  There is growing recognition, however, of the importance of BD to men.  The purpose of the review paper was to examine this literature base.  Attention is given to the nature and prevalence of BD in men, as well as its influences and sequelae.  Much of the current research remains limited by its reliance on inappropriate assessment tools.  Development of a new measure is highlighted as a necessary prerequisite to further research in this area.  In view of the limitations of existing tools, a qualitative approach was utilised in the empirical paper, to explore the phenomenon of BD in men. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of men (N = 14), with the intention that analysis of interview data would form the first phase in the development of a valid assessment tool.  Analysis yielded 15 themes across 4 domains (societal, interpersonal, intrapersonal and social presentation).  Themes focused broadly on the influences on BD, and the way in which these are managed, rather than on specific foci on concern.  It is proposed that these generic issues would form a more helpful basis for a new assessment tool, than would an inventory of particular appearance concerns.  Findings are related to existing theories, and whilst the study’s limitations are acknowledged, possible implications for practice are discussed.

University of Southampton
Adams, Gillian
37b8c709-b336-4ff7-b98f-ac0e734596b4
Adams, Gillian
37b8c709-b336-4ff7-b98f-ac0e734596b4

Adams, Gillian (2004) Body dissatisfaction in adult men. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

Historically, the phenomenon of body dissatisfaction (BD) has received most attention within the field of eating disorders, and has often been investigated in female samples.  There is growing recognition, however, of the importance of BD to men.  The purpose of the review paper was to examine this literature base.  Attention is given to the nature and prevalence of BD in men, as well as its influences and sequelae.  Much of the current research remains limited by its reliance on inappropriate assessment tools.  Development of a new measure is highlighted as a necessary prerequisite to further research in this area.  In view of the limitations of existing tools, a qualitative approach was utilised in the empirical paper, to explore the phenomenon of BD in men. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of men (N = 14), with the intention that analysis of interview data would form the first phase in the development of a valid assessment tool.  Analysis yielded 15 themes across 4 domains (societal, interpersonal, intrapersonal and social presentation).  Themes focused broadly on the influences on BD, and the way in which these are managed, rather than on specific foci on concern.  It is proposed that these generic issues would form a more helpful basis for a new assessment tool, than would an inventory of particular appearance concerns.  Findings are related to existing theories, and whilst the study’s limitations are acknowledged, possible implications for practice are discussed.

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Published date: 2004

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Local EPrints ID: 467062
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/467062
PURE UUID: 9170430d-39a6-4453-a35b-90b2b1f93949

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Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 08:10
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 20:57

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Contributors

Author: Gillian Adams

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