Understanding Body Dissatisfaction in Gay and Heterosexual Men

Keri A. McArdle · Melanie Serrao Hill

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Eating Disorders and Behaviors Obesity and Health Practices Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies

Abstract

This study examines differences in body dissatisfaction among gay and heterosexual men. Specifically, media, peer influence, and self-esteem are explored as potential variables in understanding these differences. Fifty-four Caucasian heterosexual males and eighty-two Caucasian gay males between the ages of eighteen and seventy-three participated in this study. The main findings of the current study are (a) gay men reported significantly more body dissatisfaction than heterosexual men; (b) significantly more men report a desire to lose weight than to gain weight, with gay men reporting a significantly smaller ideal weight than heterosexual men; (c) the magnitude of the relationship between self-esteem and body dissatisfaction was not significantly different for gay and heterosexual men; (d) media influence was more strongly related to body dissatisfaction and self-esteem for gay men than for heterosexual men; and (e) the magnitude of the relationship between weight-related peer teasing and self-esteem was stronger for gay males than for heterosexual males. Implications and directions for future research are explored.

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References

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2021Demographic predictors of objectification theory and tripartite influence model constructs: The U.S. Body Project I 2014Sexual Orientation and Sex Differences in Adult Chronic Conditions, Health Risk Factors, and Protective Health Practices, Oregon, 2005–2008

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