Presenter(s): Sophia Brockie − Human Physiology
Co Presenter(s): Isaac Leve, Rae Fitzpatrick, Claire Guidinger, Gina Williamson
Faculty Mentor(s): Nichole Kelly, Gina Williamson
Poster 90
Research Area: Prevention Science
Theoretical and qualitative data suggest that African American men experience significant gender- and ethnic-related pressures to obtain a large, muscular body type. Few studies have investigated these associations using quantitative data. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between Black identity and drive for muscularity in a large sample of young African American men. Internalization of muscular appearance ideals was evaluated as a potential moderator. Participants (N=254, 18-30y, Mage=23.72, SD=3.47y) completed an online survey and reported on aspects of Black racial identity (Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity Scale), drive for muscularity (Drive for Muscularity Scale), internalization of muscular ideals (Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4) and general demographic characteristics. The Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity scale assesses both centrality (the degree of importance of Black racial identity) and assimilation (existing knowledge of Black racial identity). Linear regression models were conducted, controlling for income, education, presence of a psychiatric diagnosis, and body mass index. Black identity was not associated with drive for muscularity (p=.81). While internalization of muscular appearance ideals did not function as a moderator, it was positively associated with drive for muscularity (p<.001). These data suggest that body image ideals may play a more important role in drive for muscularity than Black identity among young, African American men. Future research on drive for muscularity in African American men could explore the influence of other aspects of identity, such as masculinity, on body image ideals.