A longitudinal study investigating positive body image, eating disorder symptoms, and other related factors among a community sample of men in the UK

Jessica M. Alleva*, Nicole Paraskeva, Nadia Craddock, Bobby G Stuijfzand, Phillippa C Diedrichs

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Emerging research suggests that positive body image-an overall love and respect for one's body- may be a protective factor for eating disorder (ED) symptoms. This study aimed to explore the relationships between positive body image, ED symptoms, and related factors among men across time. A community sample of 440 British men completed questionnaires at Time 1 and Time 2 (1 year later). Linear models showed that, unexpectedly, positive body image at Time 1 did not predict change in ED symptoms at Time 2, and ED symptoms at Time 1 did not predict change in positive body image at Time 2. However, positive body image at Time 1 did predict increased appearance satisfaction and decreased appearance-ideal internalisation at Time 2. Increased positive body image at Time 2 was only predicted by appearance satisfaction at Time 1. Although no evidence for a longitudinal relationship between positive body image and ED symptoms was found, positive body image did predict change in established risk factors for disordered eating among men. Future research on positive body image and eating behaviour among men could be improved by including assessments of muscularity-oriented and adaptive eating behaviours.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)384-395
Number of pages12
JournalBody Image
Volume41
Early online date4 May 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022

Keywords

  • ADOLESCENCE
  • APPRECIATION
  • DISSATISFACTION
  • DRIVE
  • EXERCISE
  • Eating disorders
  • GIRLS
  • Longitudinal research
  • MUSCULARITY
  • Men
  • Negative body image
  • PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION
  • Positive body image
  • WOMEN

Cite this