CONTINGENT SELF-WORTH AND SOCIAL PHYSIQUE ANXIETY AS PREDICTORS OF BODY DISSATISFACTION IN YOUNG ADULT MEN

Abstract

Male body image is a growing issue that involves men's perceptions, attitudes, and emotions associated with men's physical appearance. The purpose of this study was to test a model where self-worth derived from physical appearance and social approval influences social physique anxiety, and thereby influences men's body image dissatisfaction. Specifically, this study predicted that self-worth contingencies would positively predict social physique anxiety and positively predicts men's body image dissatisfaction (e.g., muscularity and weight/body fat). This study also assessed social physique anxiety as a mediator for the relations between contingencies of self-worth and men's body image dissatisfaction. Using data obtained from a sample of 765 young adult males, between the ages18 and 29 years (M = 23.86; SD = 3.52), the original model did not fit; however, a modified model demonstrated adequate fit [723.74 (240), p < .00; CFI: .95, RMSEA: .052; SRMR: .049]. Results from this study indicated that self-worth that is based on social approval was a weak predictor of weight/body fat dissatisfaction. Furthermore, self-worth derived from physical appearance was a moderate predictor of social physique anxiety and a weak predictor of men's muscularity dissatisfaction. No mediation effect was found between the contingencies of self-worth and men's body image dissatisfaction.