Examining body dissatisfaction in college men through the exploration of appearance anxiety and internalization of the mesomorphic ideal

Although research has explained various psychological factors leading to body dissatisfaction in male, limited research has examined the potential mediating effect of the anxiety male experience to align with societal conceptions of masculine appearance. Objective and participants: In this study, conducted spring semester of 2018, we examined the relationships between internalization of the mesomorphic ideal, appearance anxiety, and body dissatisfaction, as well as the potential mediating effect of appearance anxiety on body dissatisfaction in college-aged male. Methods: In a convenience sample of college-aged male, data were collected using self-reported questionnaires measuring internalization, appearance anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. Results: Responses indicated significant associations between internalization of the mesomorphic ideal, appearance anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. Appearance anxiety was a partial mediator of internalization of the mesomorphic ideal and body dissatisfaction. Conclusions: The authors discuss implications for future research and address factors related to body dissatisfaction for professionals implementing body image programs.