Exploring body ideal internalization, sociocultural pressures, and probable muscle dysmorphia in Canadian and American boys and men

This study aimed to determine whether the internalization of body ideals and sociocultural pressures to adhere to body ideals are associated with a greater likelihood of having probable muscle dysmorphia. Cross-sectional data from 1553 boys and men ages 15–35 from Canada and the United States were used. Multiple logistic regression analyses determined the association between the internalization of three body ideals, sociocultural pressures to adhere to body ideals from four sources, and having probable muscle dysmorphia. The odds of having probable muscle dysmorphia were significantly greater for those who internalized the muscular ideal and general attractiveness ideal. Conversely, endorsing the thin/low body fat ideal was significantly associated with lower odds of having probable muscle dysmorphia. Pressure from peers, but no other sources, showed a significant association with greater odds of having probable muscle dysmorphia. Findings expand prior research by investigating correlates of muscle dysmorphia versus muscle dysmorphia symptomatology. The strong association with internalization of the general attractiveness ideal provides new insights into how overall appearance may be highly relevant for boys and men with muscle dysmorphia, warranting future investigation.