The Gym as a Culture of Body Achievement: Exploring Negative and Positive Body Image Experiences in Men Attending University

Abstract

This study qualitatively explored the body image experiences of men attending university ( N = 20). Participants were interviewed about comfortable and uncomfortable body-related situations. Participants also completed a measure of drive for muscularity. A thematic analysis was conducted. The results showed that the most commonly identified comfortable situation was the gym and was characterized by opportunities for positive social comparison and to wear physique-salient clothing to emphasize those positive comparisons and feelings of achievement. The gym and the beach were identified as the most common uncomfortable body-related situations characterized by a negative social comparison and associated negative thoughts and feelings related to the self and body, as well as situations involving the presence of women. Coping strategies included exercise and diet to change one’s appearance, avoidance, self-talk, and social support. Findings add to the growing understanding of the complexity of both negative and positive body image in men.