The Relationships Between Sense of Belonging to the Gay Community, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Self-Esteem Among Australian Gay Men

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction has been linked to belonging to the gay community and poor self-esteem among gay men. This study was designed to explore the applicability of a moderation model and a mediation model in explaining the relations between sense of belonging to the gay community, body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem among 90 self-identified Australian gay men. Participants completed the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Body Satisfaction Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results supported the moderation model; the relation between body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem was found to be statistically significant only at average and high levels of belonging to the gay community. The mediation model was also supported; body image dissatisfaction partially mediated the sense of belonging-self-esteem relation. Educating gay men and health professionals about the possible negative outcomes of "belonging" to an appearance-oriented community is important.

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in the LGBT population: a review of the literature

“…Further distal risk factors were identified by research findings for disordered eating behaviors. For gay adults, risk factors related to sexual orientation included discrimination, concealment of sexual orientation, rumination on discriminatory experiences, internalized homophobia, internalized homonegativity, gay community identification (for thinner men), and belonging to the gay community [ 10 , 23 , 47 , 82 , 96 , 136 , 156 , 163 ]. Risk factors related to relationship dynamics included lower relationship satisfaction, high-risk sexual behaviors, having an unmet need to belong, social sensitivity, being single, and frequency of usage of mobile dating apps [ 14 , 17 , 27 , 29 , 43 , 124 ].…”

“…Factors related to gender attitudes included negative femininity, gender role conflict, and greater levels of femininity [ 17 , 99 , 131 ]. Factors related to intrapsychic functioning included susceptibility to social messages, low self-esteem, low self-compassion, and media internalization[ 14 , 15 , 36 , 43 , 58 , 82 , 96 , 131 , 136 , 156 ]. Factors related to body image included awareness of sociocultural norms regarding weight, implicit and explicit attitudes regarding weight, external motivation for working out, engaging in behaviors to increase muscle mass, pressure to diet, and body image disturbance [ 10 , 15 , 24 , 43 , 49 , 142 , 146 , 156 ].…”

“…However, risk factors related to the MSM were not uniform across all subgroups. More specifically, having greater connection to other sexual minorities and being involved in the LGB community were found to be risk factors for eating pathology among gay and bisexual adults [ 47 , 52 , 96 ]. Conversely, having less connection to other sexual minorities and not belonging to the lesbian community were found to be risk factors for eating pathology among lesbian adults [ 70 , 74 , 89 ].…”

“…Body image dissatisfaction, higher BMI and perceived weight status, internalization of the ideal body and cultural standards of attractiveness, pressure to be thin, and objectification were common within body image factors [ 10 , 15 , 24 – 26 , 40 , 43 , 46 , 49 , 50 , 68 , 69 , 74 , 77 , 83 , 88 , 90 , 97 , 103 , 110 , 142 , 146 , 156 , 165 ]. Low self-esteem, self-criticism, and media internalization were common within intrapsychic factors [ 12 , 14 , 15 , 36 , 43 , 58 , 74 , 82 , 96 , 131 , 136 , 156 ]. Mood disorders (e.g., depression), anxiety disorders (e.g., general, social), and other psychiatric conditions (e.g., phobias, substance use, trauma) were common within mental health factors [ 17 , 24 , 43 , 70 , 89 , 107 , 108 , 110 , 154 ].…”

The de-feminization of femininity : exploratory content analysis of gay male fashion magazines.

“…Gay culture has the ability to make one more aware of their body image. The more involved one is, the more likely they will be aware of their physical appearance and have lower self-esteem (Kousari-Rad & McLaren, 2013). Gay men are often forced to negotiate masculinity and live up to both the fixed ideas of manhood and myths of gay identity.…”