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

108 Pages·2017·0.55 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2017
Relationships Among Body Image Dissatisfaction,
Body-Enhancing Behaviors, and Self-Esteem in
Adult Males
Shimeka Damon
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by

Shimeka Damon

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Charlton Coles, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Matthew Hertenstein, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Sandra Caramela-Miller, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2017
Abstract
Relationships Among Body Image Dissatisfaction, Body-Enhancing Behaviors, and Self-
Esteem 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 self-
esteem 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 Self-
Esteem 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.
Table of Contents
List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v
List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1
Background of the Study ...............................................................................................1
Statement of the Problem ...............................................................................................2
Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................3
Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................3
Research Question and Hypotheses ...............................................................................4
Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................6
Definition of Terms........................................................................................................6
Assumptions ...................................................................................................................8
Limitations .....................................................................................................................8
Scope and Delimitations ................................................................................................9
Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................9
Chapter Summary ........................................................................................................10
Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................11
Content and Organization of the Review .....................................................................12
Literature Search Strategies .........................................................................................12
Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................13
Sociocultural Theory ............................................................................................. 13
Social Comparison Theory ................................................................................... 14
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Literature Review Related to Key Variables and/or Concepts ....................................16
Body Image Dissatisfaction .........................................................................................18
Development of Body Image Dissatisfaction ..............................................................19
Behaviors Associated With Body Image Dissatisfaction ............................................22
Anorexia ................................................................................................................ 22
Excessive Exercising ............................................................................................ 24
Weight Training .................................................................................................... 26
Self-Esteem and BID ...................................................................................................27
Summary ......................................................................................................................30
Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................31
Research Design...........................................................................................................31
Target Population .........................................................................................................32
Sampling Method and Related Procedures ..................................................................32
Instrumentation ............................................................................................................34
Body Image Dissatisfaction .................................................................................. 34
Self-Esteem ........................................................................................................... 35
Body-Enhancing Behaviors: Exercise Dependency ............................................. 36
Body-Enhancing Behaviors: Dieting .................................................................... 37
Demographic Questionnaire ................................................................................. 38
Data Analysis Procedure ..............................................................................................38
Research Questions and Hypotheses ...........................................................................38
Ethical Considerations .................................................................................................41
ii
Summary ......................................................................................................................41
Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................43
Data Collection ............................................................................................................43
Descriptive and Demographic Characteristics ...................................................... 44
Descriptive Statistics of Continuous Variables ..................................................... 47
Research Question 1 ............................................................................................. 50
Research Question 2 ............................................................................................. 51
Research Question 3 ............................................................................................. 52
Research Question 4 ............................................................................................. 53
Summary ......................................................................................................................54
Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations ............................................56
Interpretations of the Findings .....................................................................................57
Relationship Between BID and Self-Esteem ........................................................ 58
Body-Enhancing Behaviors, Self-Esteem, and Body Image Dissatisfaction ....... 58
Limitations ...................................................................................................................60
Recommendations for Future Research .......................................................................62
Implications..................................................................................................................64
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................64
References ..........................................................................................................................66
Appendix A: Informed Consent Form ...............................................................................88
Appendix B: The Body-Esteem Scale ...............................................................................89
Appendix C: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale .......................................................................91
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