Previous studies have identified gay men as a high-risk population for body image disturbances. However, little research has examined the mental health impact of gay men's physical appearance concerns in the context of other major life domains. The present study addresses this gap by investigating how mental health outcomes (satisfaction with life, selfesteem, positive wellbeing, and psychological distress) are associated with satisfaction with and importance of physical appearance, work, family relationships, friendships, health and fitness, and sex life among Australian gay men aged 18-39. The possible moderating role of intimate relationship status is also examined. Results from an online survey reveal that greater satisfaction with physical appearance, work, family, and friendships all bear similar positive associations with mental health. However, more importance placed on physical appearance is more consistently associated with poorer mental health compared with the subjective importance of other domains. Findings also indicate the associations between physical appearance satisfaction and life satisfaction, and between physical appearance importance and positive wellbeing, are weaker for those in relationships. Thus, physical appearance matters in gay men's lives, but is only one factor when considered in the broader context of other life areas that contribute to overall wellbeing. These findings suggest the need for a nuanced and contextualised understanding of how physical appearance concerns fit into gay men's lives. (Word count: 217)
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