Muscle dysmorphia : the psychological struggles associated with the growing tendency of the Adonis complex in men

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the realities and hardships faced by people who experience symptoms similar to muscle dysmorphic disorder and the changes brought about to different areas of daily living – most notably the psychological domain. The research was carried out amongst 4 volunteers who showed symptoms similar to muscle dysmorphia without being actually diagnosed with the condition. Semi-structured interviews were used which were then transcribed and explored by means of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results were then presented in the form of emerging meta themes and sub-themes which were extrapolated following analysis. Results brought out the dominance of media and societal pressures in portraying ideals of male beauty and the severity of their effects on participants. The changes in social, psychological, financial and occupational fields in the participants’ lives were also noted to suffer together with one’s overall quality of life. Limitations and possible uses for the dissertation are included in the final chapter as well as recommendations for further research.