Psychosocial Impact of Bigorexia

By

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION2

Introduction2

Purpose of the Study4

Rationale of the Study5

Aims and Objectives5

Research Questions5

Structure of the Dissertation6

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW7

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY10

Research Approach10

Data Collection Method10

Design11

Materials12

Ethical Considerations13

Confidentiality14

Validity and Reliability of Data14

Limitations15

Appendix 121

Appendix 224

Appendix 326

Appendix 428

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 their diet. However, in the same course, these athletes have developed this disorder and coaches have no way to discover who overlook it considering it commitment, discipline and hard work from the part of the athlete which ultimately started interfering with the other dimensions of their existence.

Purpose of the Study

In the context of athletes, the disorder has gaining increasing attention of researchers. Drive for muscularity to exhibit brawniness image and the adopting muscular ideals as presented in the media have furthered the development of muscle dysmorphia among male in general and among athletes in particular, which is described by an idealistic body perception combined with an unwarranted quest of muscularity (Olivardia, 2001). Behavior normally correlated with muscle dysmorphia among male athletes entails extensive weight ...