Study links male gender norms to muscle dysmorphia symptoms

Study links male gender norms to muscle dysmorphia symptoms

A new research study from the University of Toronto sheds light on the complicated relationship between conformity to male gender norms and muscle dysmorphia symptoms in a diverse sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults. The study, titled “Exploring the Association Between Conformity to Masculine Gender Norms and Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology in a Gender-Diverse Canadian Population,” was recently published in the journalSex roles.

Muscle dysmorphia, characterized by obsessive preoccupation with muscles and dissatisfaction with one's body size, has long been recognized as a significant mental health problem, particularly among boys and young men. Given its high prevalence among boys and young men, greater conformity to male gender norms (attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that young men conform to in order to display their masculinity) has been hypothesized to be associated with symptoms of muscle dysmorphia. The aim of the new study was to empirically test this connection on a gender-diverse sample of adolescents and young adults.

Researchers analyzed data from the Canadian Adolescent Health Behavior Study, which included 2,719 participants. The aim was to examine the association between conformity to male gender norms and the symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, the clinical risk of muscle dysmorphia and the lifetime use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in all genders.

Our results demonstrated a striking positive association between conformity to male gender norms and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, clinical risk for muscle dysmorphia, and lifetime AAS use in the diverse sample. Notably, this association persisted across all gender identities, including boys, young men, girls, young women, and transgender/gender-expansive participants.”

Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW,main author,Assistant Professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto

The results highlight the significant influence of societal expectations of masculinity on body image and behavior, regardless of gender identity. The researchers also found that certain male gender norms, such as self-confidence, emotional control and a strong desire to win, were most strongly associated with muscle dysmorphia symptoms. The results also revealed unique gender differences. Specifically, boys and young men who demonstrated greater conformity to self-reliance and heterosexual self-preservation were more likely to have greater symptoms of muscle dysmorphia than girls and young women.

These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between gender norms and mental health outcomes, particularly with regard to body image disorders. “We need to ensure that interventions and support systems address the harmful effects of conforming to rigid gender norms,” says Ganson. Going forward, the researchers advocate further investigation into the underlying mechanisms driving this association across different gender identities.

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