Date of Submission

2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Alexa Bonacquisti, PhD, PMH-C

Second Advisor

Ashley Poole, PsyD, LPC

Third Advisor

Michelle Lent, PhD

Abstract

Introduction: Body image disturbance (BID), or poor body image encompasses dissatisfaction with one’s physical appearance, and is linked closely with disordered eating, depression, low self-esteem, and a compromised health-related quality of life. Although most research on BID has focused on women, this study examined its impact on men, specifically sexual minority men (SMM; cisgender men who identify as non-heterosexual). This subgroup notably exhibits heightened rates of BID compared to heterosexual men, shaped by sociocultural pressures and internalized appearance ideals.

Objectives: This study intends to examine potential determinants of BID in SMM as well as build upon existing insights that connect identification with gay identity and culture to heightened BID in SMM. The study examined relationships among body dissatisfaction, maladaptive eating behaviors, risky sexual behaviors, conformity to masculinity norms, physical appearance comparison, and gay identity centrality in SMM.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 199 SMM completed an online survey assessing body dissatisfaction, eating behaviors, sexual risk-taking, gay identity centrality, appearance-based social comparison, and conformity to masculinity norms. Correlational analyses tested hypothesized relationships among these constructs.

Discussion: Findings partially supported the hypotheses. Body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with maladaptive eating behaviors, gay identity centrality, social comparison, and select masculinity norms, but not with sexual risk-taking. These results highlight the multifactorial nature of BID in SMM and underscore the need for interventions promoting flexible masculinity, media literacy, and body acceptance to enhance well-being.

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