Presenter(s): Isaac Leve − Education Foundations
Co Presenter(s): Gina Williamson, Claire Guidinger, Sophia-kate Brockie, Rae Fitzpatrick
Faculty Mentor(s): Nichole Kelly
Poster 89
Research Area: Health Psychology
According to extant research, body image concerns are generally lower among African American men relative to their Caucasian peers. However, qualitative data suggest that athleticism and physical strength are defining characteristics of being a successful African American man. As such, men who do not fit these ideals may experience body image concerns and engage in excessive exercise to obtain an athletic physique, particularly if they internalize these appearance ideals. The current study examined the associations among body image concerns, internalization of appearance ideals, and compulsive exercise in 255 young African American men (18-30y, Mage = 23.72y). Participants completed an online survey and reported on body image concerns (Revised Male Body Image Attitudes Scale); internalization of appearance ideals (Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4); compulsive exercise beliefs and behaviors (Exercise Dependence Scale); and general demographic characteristics. Linear regression models were conducted, controlling for income, education, presence of a psychiatric diagnosis, and body mass index. Body image concerns were positively associated with compulsive exercise (p
< .001); internalization of appearance ideals did not moderate this association. However, internalization of appearance ideals demonstrated a positive association with excessive exercise (ps < .001). These findings suggest that body image concerns and internalization of appearance ideals are independently associated with excessive exercise symptoms in African American men, but that they do not function jointly to exacerbate these symptoms. Prospective research is needed to determine if body image concerns and internalization of body ideals represent unique risk factors for compulsive exercise symptoms in African American men.