Poor relationships with fathers in men are indirectly linked to increased symptoms of muscular dysmorphia through vulnerable narcissism, according to a new psychological study published in . personality and individual differences.
Muscle dysmorphic disorder, also known as “bigorexia” or “reverse anorexia,” is a form of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) that, combined with a distorted self-image, leads to an excessive obsession with muscle mass and size. It is characterized by Muscular dysmorphia is more commonly reported in men than women and is often co-occurring with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers were interested in investigating the association between muscular dysmorphism, narcissism, and paternal relationships in the male population. Because this area has not been studied before. They hypothesized that a negative relationship with the father would lead to increased symptoms of muscle dysmorphia due to the lack of positive male role models, leading to lower self-esteem. We aimed to explore whether this relationship was explained by vulnerable or exaggerated narcissism.
“Muscular dysmorphia is a growing health concern in today’s society and has serious implications for the health of those affected,” the study authors explained. Sebastian S. Sandgrenassociate professor at the University of Stavanger.
“Therefore, further research is needed to better understand this mental health disorder in order to effectively prevent and treat its symptoms in the future. Exploring is a step towards understanding risk factors for the development of muscle dysmorphia.”
To conduct this study, researchers recruited 503 English-speaking men between the ages of 18 and 78 through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit by nonprobability sampling over nine months. . To protect potentially vulnerable individuals, those who reported a history of a clinical mental health disorder diagnosis were excluded. completed.
The results of this study found a negative indirect effect on symptoms of muscle dysmorphia through fragile narcissism in a father’s relationship, but not through exaggerated narcissism. did not agree People who said things like “My father is very important to me” or “He helped me learn new things” consent Statements such as “I often feel as though I need compliments from others to validate myself” were associated with heightened muscle discomfort.
Grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism are two subtypes of narcissism that differ in their expression and underlying psychological mechanisms.
Grandiose narcissism is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People with grandiose narcissism tend to exhibit exaggerated behaviors and beliefs, such as believing they are superior to others, seeking attention or admiration, or feeling entitled to special treatment. there is.
Vulnerable narcissism, on the other hand, is characterized by weaker self-esteem and self-esteem combined with feelings of anxiety and insecurity. People with vulnerable narcissism can have a strong need for validation and attention from others, but can also feel embarrassed and inadequate if they don’t receive it.
New findings suggest that perceived poor relationships with fathers may lead men to develop unhealthy views of themselves characterized by low self-esteem and self-centeredness Attempts to seek validation and build self-esteem can be manifested by an unhealthy preoccupation with muscle mass.
“This study shows that poor relationships between men and their fathers may indirectly increase symptoms of muscle dysmorphia through vulnerable narcissism,” Sandgren told PsyPost. “Young men should be aware of the relationship between weightlifting and their motivation for training, and have the courage to seek support and consult someone if needed (e.g., often when they miss a workout. If you feel insecure and/or training is taking over your life in a negative way), there is support available.”
Overall, this study provides new insights into potential risk factors for the development of muscular dysmorphic symptoms in men.The findings highlight the importance of positive male role models in male development. , suggest that interventions aimed at building positive self-esteem may be effective in preventing the development of muscular dysmorphic symptoms.
“An important area for future muscle dysmorphia research is to develop and test interventions that help address symptoms,” Sandgren said. Because of the stigma attached to mental health in general and the treatments and interventions available for eating disorders that may be unattractive to many men with symptoms of muscular dysmorphia, they are discouraged from seeking support and help. yeah.
“Future interventions are participant-centred and it is imperative that we consider the needs of the target population. Much remains to be done, but this important work has finally begun (my research team, MDID (Started a new project called Muscle Dysmorphia Intervention Development).
the study, “Father, Me, and My Muscles: Links Between Muscular Dysmorphism, Narcissism, and Fatherhood in Athletic Menwas written by Matt W. Boulter, Tom Wooldridge, Vegard E. Bjelland, and Sebastian S. Sandgren.
