Psychosocial Impact Of Bigorexia

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION5

Introduction5

Purpose of the Study6

Theoretical Framework for the Study of Body Image in Males7

Significance of the Study7

Aims and Objectives7

Research Questions7

Structure of the Dissertation7

Summary7

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW7

Introduction7

Body Image and Social Acceptance7

Body Image and Self-Esteem7

Body Image in Males7

Body Image in Body Builders7

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY7

Research Approach7

Data Collection Method7

Research Instrument7

Participants7

Design7

Quantitative Study7

Qualitative Study7

Materials7

Procedure7

Ethical Considerations7

Confidentiality7

Validity and Reliability of Data7

Limitations7

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS & DISCUSSION7

Findings7

Quantitative Analysis: Levene's Test for Equality of Variances7

Discussion7

CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION7

Protection of Human Subjects7

APPENDIX 17

APPENDIX 27

APPENDIX 37

APPENDIX 47

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Earlier studies conducted on body image have concentrated on observing eating disorders for instance bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, which take place largely in women. Muscle dysmorphia, according to latest research, is a disorder in which individuals regard themselves to be smaller to a considerable degree than they actually appear; this disorder primarily occurs in men (Olivardia, 2001). Grieve (2007) asserts that muscle dysmorphia should be categorized as an eating disorder. In these cases, factors that influence the progress of bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa should have an impact on the muscle dysmorphia's development as well. It is one of the body image disorders that are prevails a lot among male athletes. When a athlete is suffering from this disorder, he regards himself as considerably small than his actual appearance and he wishes attain a well built and muscular body.

In other words, the perception that a man struggling with this disorder by itself does not match with its actual appearance, much like people who are suffering from anorexia see themselves. Muscle dysmorphia and anorexia shares this one common element with each other. That's why; it is also regarded as "reverse anorexia". While in anorexia, people started eating too much and gain weight, opposite is true for the muscle dysmorphia; people tend to lose fat and build more muscular body which improves their overall body image. Athletes suffering from this disorder are also persuaded to start steroids and other nutritious supplements in order to attain more weight and build their muscles accordingly. It should also be noted that athletes have already a well built body as compared to a normal man. Even then, athletes have developed a sense of embarrassment relating their bodies and often struggle to avoid just being themselves.

A critical issue with muscle dysmorphia is that it involves behaviors that are very similar to regular routines of athletes which not only culminate in confusion but act as restraint in the recognition of this disorder. In real life, most coaches would be happy to see their athletes train hard, get some exercise and diligently monitor ...