Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Muscle Dysmorphia Prevalence in Collegiate Males: A comparison between athletes and non-athletes
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nutrition/Dietetics
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Lauren Roberson PhD, MS, RD, LD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Historically, and in popular press, females take the cake when it comes to body image issues. However, men also experience body image dysmorphia, commonly manifesting as muscle dysmorphia (MD), a form of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). In this condition, men feel their musculature is inadequate (Esco, Olson, & Williford, 2005). Perceptions of masculinity are often tied to muscle size (Baghurst & Lirgg, 2009). Baghurst and Lirgg (2009) further articulate that as more and more females participate in competitive athletics, men feel the pressure to keep up and pump even more iron as musculature is a notable distinguishing physical characteristic of gender identity. Muscle dysmorphia is prevalent across the male population. For example, anywhere from 9-25% of men that have BDD (2.2% of population) also are diagnosed with MD (Kronemyer, 2017). More specifically, an estimated 7% of collegiate male students experience MD (Palaz ́on-Bru et al., 2018). Nutrition status plays a critical role in athlete performance and health, both mental and physical. Not only do many college athletes consume inadequate protein, they also have limited nutrition knowledge as it relates to protein requirements (Janiczak, Devin, Forsyth, & Trakman, 2022). Therefore, this study aims to determine whether collegiate athletes have a heightened sense of muscle dysmorphia compared to the general male student body. Likewise, authors hypothesize that limited knowledge of protein is positively related to muscle dysmorphia. Results are being collected through a Google Form distributed to male college students meeting the criteria. Students are grouped into two categories, (1) athlete or (2) non-athlete. The Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory Questionnaire (Zeeck et al., 2018) is being used to assess the prevalence of muscle dysmorphia in each group. Responses will be analyzed in order to determine whether the prevalence was higher among athletes or non-athletes. There are also eight multiple choice questions assessing protein knowledge that will be analyzed and compared in order to test the hypotheses. The goal of this study is to help find strategies for improving athlete nutrition knowledge and overall dietary intake. In addition, researchers hope to raise awareness about MD to college students, athletes, and coaching staff.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Muscle Dysmorphia Prevalence in Collegiate Males: A comparison between athletes and non-athletes
Historically, and in popular press, females take the cake when it comes to body image issues. However, men also experience body image dysmorphia, commonly manifesting as muscle dysmorphia (MD), a form of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). In this condition, men feel their musculature is inadequate (Esco, Olson, & Williford, 2005). Perceptions of masculinity are often tied to muscle size (Baghurst & Lirgg, 2009). Baghurst and Lirgg (2009) further articulate that as more and more females participate in competitive athletics, men feel the pressure to keep up and pump even more iron as musculature is a notable distinguishing physical characteristic of gender identity. Muscle dysmorphia is prevalent across the male population. For example, anywhere from 9-25% of men that have BDD (2.2% of population) also are diagnosed with MD (Kronemyer, 2017). More specifically, an estimated 7% of collegiate male students experience MD (Palaz ́on-Bru et al., 2018). Nutrition status plays a critical role in athlete performance and health, both mental and physical. Not only do many college athletes consume inadequate protein, they also have limited nutrition knowledge as it relates to protein requirements (Janiczak, Devin, Forsyth, & Trakman, 2022). Therefore, this study aims to determine whether collegiate athletes have a heightened sense of muscle dysmorphia compared to the general male student body. Likewise, authors hypothesize that limited knowledge of protein is positively related to muscle dysmorphia. Results are being collected through a Google Form distributed to male college students meeting the criteria. Students are grouped into two categories, (1) athlete or (2) non-athlete. The Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory Questionnaire (Zeeck et al., 2018) is being used to assess the prevalence of muscle dysmorphia in each group. Responses will be analyzed in order to determine whether the prevalence was higher among athletes or non-athletes. There are also eight multiple choice questions assessing protein knowledge that will be analyzed and compared in order to test the hypotheses. The goal of this study is to help find strategies for improving athlete nutrition knowledge and overall dietary intake. In addition, researchers hope to raise awareness about MD to college students, athletes, and coaching staff.