Attachment style and risk of muscle dysmorphia in a sample of male bodybuilders.

Abstract

In Western countries, body image has become an essential feature of male representations in recent decades. This is especially true of prominent muscularity, which has been traditionally linked with the concept of masculinity. This tendency has also emerged in the Italian context where it was easily assimilated into the traditional Italian stereotype of men being strong and virile. In this context, the practice of bodybuilding has progressively gained popularity as a means of achieving an ideal body image. Among bodybuilders, pathological preoccupations with muscle can sometimes develop. This condition has been defined as muscle dysmorphia (MD). Although a few studies discuss this disorder and its psychological correlates, no studies have examined the link between the risk of developing MD and attachment style in men. Given that attachment affects body image satisfaction and related disorders, the aim of this paper was to study the relationship between MD and adult attachment style in male bodybuilders. In the present study, 170 Italian male bodybuilders completed an anonymous online survey. Data were obtained about their demographic features, attachment styles, and risk of developing MD. Using the dimensions of adult attachment, bodybuilders who were at risk of developing MD were compared with those who were not at risk of developing MD. The findings indicated that a link exists between the risk of developing MD and having an insecure avoidant attachment style. This finding suggests that nonoptimal relationships with caregivers early in life can be a risk factor for developing MD later in life. Further studies need to examine the connection between individuals’ relational history and their development of MD.

Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI): Validation of a German version with a focus on gender

“…However, it is unclear if MD leads to difficulties with body contact and sexuality, or if the attempt to attain a powerful body is an attempt to compensate for feelings of inadequacy, vulnerability and a negative self-concept. The latter would be supported by a study of Fabris et al [ 38 ], who found an association between a risk for MD and more insecure (especially avoidant) attachment styles. Insecure attachment styles are characterized by more negative models of self and others, caused by early developmental experiences [ 39 ].…”

Sexual Orientation, Peer Influence, Body Dissatisfaction, and Eudaimonic Well-Being in Italian Men

“…Even in the Italian context, the body standard for men is more muscular than the average male body shape (Zelli et al, 2010; Gilli and Ruspini, 2014). The traditional Italian stereotype of men is one of strength and virility; in this context, muscularity has been traditionally linked to the concept of masculinity (Fabris et al, 2017). Nevertheless, nowadays alongside the traditional image of the virile and powerful man, a new type of masculinity has emerged (Boni, 2004, 2007), the so-called ‘metrosexual’ man, who is particularly concerned with the care of the body, is a strong consumer of cosmetics, and is interested in aesthetics (Capellani et al, 2014).…”

Masculinities, practices and meanings: A critical analysis of recent literature on the use of performance- and image-enhancing drugs among men

“…Other medical or psychological studies contribute to the discourse of 'insecure masculinity', sometimes in unexpected ways. For example, Fabris et al (2018) argue that bodyimage concerns are a central motive for PIED use, although their own findings undermine such a conclusion. They open their article on 170 male body builders in Italy, 14% of whom used steroids, by claiming that 'Italian male representations are in crisis because women have acquired more power in their families and places of work' (Fabris et al, 2018: 273).…”