Examining the factors that affect body image and eating beaviour in men using the sociocultural theory of body image

Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviour, traditionally 'females' concerns have recently become more apparent in men (Drummond, 2002). Research has suggested that changes in sociocultural factors (Demarest & Allen, 2000); drive for muscularity (Pope et al., 1999) and masculine stereotypes (Bogaert, Fawcett, & Jamieson, 2009) have increased the rates of body dysmorphia, eating disorders and body dissatisfaction in men. this thesis examines the Sociocultural Theory of Body Image (Thompson, Heinberg, Altabe & Tantleff-Dunn, 1999) in relation to body image and eating behaviour in men. Study one investigated whether the Sociocultural Theory of Body Image (Thompson et al., 1999) explained the causes of body image satisfaction in men. In this study, White British and Irish males displayed the highest body image satisfaction compared to Black males, who displayed the lowest, indicated that ethnicity is a significant cause of body image. Media influence and self-esteem were also significant causes of body image satisfaction. Study two examined eating behaviours in males using th eSociocultural Theory of eating behaviour (Thompson et al., 1999) and results suggested that Body Mass Index (BMI) was the only significant cause of drive for thinness in overweight men. Media influences, cultural ideals, socioeconomic and relationship status were not significant causes of eating behaviour in men. The final study, a qualitative study, investigated men's perceptions of body image and eating behaviour. Results suggested that perceptions of masculinity, past experience, drive for muscularity, healthy living, controlled food intake and media influences are causes that affect body image and eating behaviour in men. The results of this thesis are discussed in relation to the Sociolcultural Theory of Body Image and eating behaviour (Thompson et al., 1999) and ideas for future research are presented