Relationships Among Body Image Dissatisfaction, Body-Enhancing Behaviors, and Self-Esteem in Adult Males

Relationships Among Body Image Dissatisfaction, Body-Enhancing Behaviors, and SelfEsteem in Adult Males by Shimeka M. Damon MA, Brooklyn College, 2005 BS, St. Joseph’s College, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University February 2017 Abstract Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is increasing among U.S. men and is associated with body-enhancing behaviors that threaten physical health, such as excessive dieting and exercising. A research gap was identified about the relationships between men’s body image dissatisfaction, body-enhancing behaviors, and the possible mediating effect of self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among body image dissatisfaction, body-enhancing behaviors, and self-esteem in adult males. Sociocultural and social comparison theory served as the theoretical frameworks for this study, which included 103 participants recruited through a university participant pool and gyms. Participants completed questionnaires including the Body-Esteem Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Exercise Dependence Scale-21, Revised Restraint Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Correlational and regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between all constructs and to test self-esteem as the mediating variable. A mediation model showed a relationship between dieting and selfesteem and BID in that high BID was related to low self-esteem. However, self-esteem did not mediate the relationship between diet and exercise. Findings indicated a significant relationship between higher BID and lower self-esteem. Results also indicated a significant relationship between BID and dieting. Results may be used to improve the lives of men affected by BID by informing them about factors that may affect BID and/or self-esteem. Enhancing the understanding of males’ low self-esteem and body image may help researchers and practitioners develop more effective interventions.Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is increasing among U.S. men and is associated with body-enhancing behaviors that threaten physical health, such as excessive dieting and exercising. A research gap was identified about the relationships between men’s body image dissatisfaction, body-enhancing behaviors, and the possible mediating effect of self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among body image dissatisfaction, body-enhancing behaviors, and self-esteem in adult males. Sociocultural and social comparison theory served as the theoretical frameworks for this study, which included 103 participants recruited through a university participant pool and gyms. Participants completed questionnaires including the Body-Esteem Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Exercise Dependence Scale-21, Revised Restraint Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Correlational and regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between all constructs and to test self-esteem as the mediating variable. A mediation model showed a relationship between dieting and selfesteem and BID in that high BID was related to low self-esteem. However, self-esteem did not mediate the relationship between diet and exercise. Findings indicated a significant relationship between higher BID and lower self-esteem. Results also indicated a significant relationship between BID and dieting. Results may be used to improve the lives of men affected by BID by informing them about factors that may affect BID and/or self-esteem. Enhancing the understanding of males’ low self-esteem and body image may help researchers and practitioners develop more effective interventions. Relationships Among Body Image Dissatisfaction, Body-Enhancing Behaviors, and SelfEsteem in Adult Males by Shimeka M. Damon MA, Brooklyn College, 2005 BS, St. Joseph’s College, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University February 2017 Dedication To my grandparents who taught me to never give up and to believe in myself. Acknowledgments Thanks first and foremost to God. Thanks to my loving parents, Milton and Dorothy, for all of their guidance and strength. Thanks to Gabrielle for making me smile and laugh.Thanks to Johanne, Daryl, and Gina for sticking with me during good and bad times. Thanks to Dr. Charlton Coles and Dr. Matthew Hertenstein for believing in me. Thanks to Dr. Zin Htway and Sarah for encouraging me to reach the finish line. Thanks to my inner self for not giving up during this difficult process.