Perceptual and attitudinal body image, disordered eating, and muscle-building behavior in college men

Eating disorders and associated problems with body image are an increasing concern among men. The unique contributions of attitudinal or perceptual body image in the development of eating pathology have yet to be investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the unique associations between perceptual and attitudinal body image and disordered eating and muscle-building behavior among college men. A sample of predominantly White, heterosexual undergraduate men (N = 308) completed online self-report measures assessing body image, disordered eating, and muscle-building behavior. Generalized linear models were used to assess associations between perceptual and attitudinal body image with disordered eating and muscle-building behavior, controlling for body mass index, race, and ethnicity. Perceptions of lower current body fat, higher current muscularity, and greater body mass index were uniquely associated with greater dietary restraint. Perceptions of lower current and ideal body fat and higher current and ideal muscularity were uniquely associated with greater muscle-building behavior. Increases in negative body fat and muscularity attitudes were uniquely associated with both disordered eating and muscle-building behavior. The current study highlights the importance of including both attitudinal and perceptual body image measures in the assessment of men's eating pathology. A better understanding of the unique roles that different body image dimensions have in maladaptive behaviors among men may inform body image treatment efforts.