Media internalization and conformity to traditional masculine norms in relation to body image concerns among men

Diedrichs, Phillippa C.; Frisén, Ann; Ricciardelli, Lina A.; De Jesus, Arthur Y.; Smolak, Linda; Yager, Zali; Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew; Franko, Debra L; Gattario, Kristina Holmqvist

Abstract

© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. Previous studies have separately examined conformity to masculine norms and internalization of body ideals in the media in relation to the drive for muscularity (DM). This study was designed to examine these factors together in relation to DM, and further examine how they may differ in relation to drive for thinness (DT) and drive for leanness (DL). Participants were 284 Australian males between ages 18 and 42. They completed validated measures that assessed DM, DT, DL, male gender role norms, and internalization of body ideals. The findings showed that internalization of body ideals mediated the relationship between masculine role norms and body image in the case of both DM and DL. However, masculine norms and internalization were independent predictors of DT. Our findings contribute to further understanding of the roles that the media and masculine norms have in shaping men's drive for muscularity, leanness, and thinness. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm the nature and direction of these relationships.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 6, 2019
• Journal: Eating Behaviors
• Print ISSN: 1471-0153
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Pages: 137-142
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.04.004
• Keywords: male, muscularity, leanness, thinness, masculine norms, media internalization, body image
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/835540
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.04.004
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Published online 25 April 2015