Presenter(s): Shijing Zhou
Co Presenter(s): Kylie Rothhouse
Faculty Mentor(s): Nichole Kelly & Claire Guidinger
Poster 123
Session: Social Sciences & Humanities
Exercise dependence (ED) symptoms, which can be conceptualized as a complex pattern of excessive exercise behaviors, have been shown to be more prevalent in males than females. Preliminary data suggest that Asian/Asian American men frequently endorse ED symptoms. However, the sociocultural correlates of ED symptoms in this population are understudied. The purpose of this study was to examine whether Asian cultural values were associated with ED symptoms in Asian/Asian American men. Internalization of both muscularity and thinness appearance ideals were examined as potential moderators. We hypothesized that men who endorsed greater adherence to Asian cultural values would report more ED symptoms. We also hypothesized that greater internalization of both muscularity and thinness appearance ideals would exacerbate this positive association. The present sample consisted of 266 Asian/Asian American men between 18-30 years. The mean age was 24.4 and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.2 kg/m2. Participants completed an online survey that assessed demographic information, ED symptoms, adherence to Asian cultural values, and internalization of both muscularity and thinness appearance ideals. All analyses adjusted for BMI, education, income, and presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. Multiple linear regression models indicated that adherence to Asian cultural values was significantly and positively associated with ED symptoms. Men who reported greater adherence to Asian cultural values reported more ED symptoms, p<.05. Neither internalization of muscular nor thinness appearance ideals moderated this association. These findings highlight the importance of considering cultural factors in our investigations of ED symptoms and related pathology in men.