An exploratory investigation of body esteem, body dissatisfaction and body change behaviours in sexual minority young adults from a risk and protective perspective

Body image, body change behaviours, and risk and protective factors for body esteem, were documented by sexual orientation in young adults aged 18-25 years. Cross-sectional data from My World Survey 2 Post Second Level (MWS2-PSL) were used. The sample consisted of 1,975 heterosexual, 256 gay, 169 bisexual, 89 questioning men and 4,521 heterosexual, 167 lesbian, 781 bisexual, 356 questioning and 121 pansexual women. Body esteem, body dissatisfaction and body change behaviours as well as sexual minority stress risk (discrimination) and protective factors (resilience) were analysed across groups using Chi Square Tests and Analyses of Covariance. Multiple regressions identified relationships between body esteem, body change behaviours and risk and protective factors. Heterosexual men exhibited higher body esteem and body satisfaction than sexual minority men. Bisexual women demonstrated the lowest body esteem, while pansexual women exhibited lower body satisfaction versus heterosexual, lesbian and questioning women. Body change behaviours did not differ among women, but weight loss attempts were elevated in gay and bisexual men. Comfort with sexuality, resilience and social support were positively associated with body esteem. Risk and protective factors for body esteem varied by sexual orientation, highlighting the importance of examining these constructs separately across sexual minority subgroups.