Pseudonym Posted August 29, 2006 Report Share Posted August 29, 2006 Men feel the pressure to aim for muscle-man image NZ HeraldMonday August 28, 2006Men are catching up to women in one area. They too are feeling pressure to achieve perfect bodies, and this can lead them down unhealthy paths.The findings of a new study "challenge that myth that men aren't affected by the media or other's comments towards their bodies", Dr Tracy L. Tylka, at Ohio State University, told Reuters."Men are affected by those pressures in the media ... or the pressures that others put on them to look more muscular," she said."For some men, this can lead to unhealthy and potentially dangerous behaviours to try to reach that ideal."Previous research has linked the viewing of women as sexual objects to eating disorders. During the last three decades, however, men had also become increasingly viewed as objects.One study showed that men who were exposed to ads that included a more muscular male image later expressed more dissatisfaction with their own bodies than those exposed to neutral ads."Men see these idealised, muscular men in the media and feel their own bodies don't measure up," Dr Tylka said.In light of such research, Dr Tylka investigated the relationship between the pressure to become more muscular and certain behaviours. For her study, 285 male university students, mostly freshmen, completed various surveys about the pressure to be muscular and its ramifications.On a scale that ranged from "never" to "always", participants reported they "often" felt pressure to be muscular, she said. They "often" or "usually" internalised the muscular images presented by the media - i.e. believed that the only desirable shape is the highly muscular body type.They were also "often" or "usually" dissatisfied about their bodies.Men who were dissatisfied with their muscularity were likely to be more preoccupied about becoming more muscular, which led to their use of supplements and possibly steroid use, to achieve that muscular image, Dr Tylka said. Dissatisfaction with their level of body fat predicted a higher preoccupation with counting calories and cutting off certain food groups.Because the idealised muscular body image is rooted in society, with "men thinking they're expected to look a certain way, it can contribute to very negative things for men", Dr Tylka said."Instead of pressuring men to be more muscular, [we need to] accept men's bodies for what they are and instead focus on internal characteristics," she said."Stop focusing on appearance, for both men and women."Dr Tylka presented her findings to the American Psychological Association annual meeting in New Orleans. - REUTERS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poos_n_wees Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 "Instead of pressuring men to be more muscular, [we need to] accept men's bodies for what they are and instead focus on internal characteristics," she said. "Stop focusing on appearance, for both men and women.":roll: Interesting article though. It sorta relates to a condition I've only recently heard of: "Bigorexia" - that affects mainly men. No matter how big or muscular they are - they always feel that they're not BIG enough.. apparently if affects alot of bodybuilders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEBERG Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 I studied this subject quite abit while i was at uni. Was one of my fav topics because of the bodybuiling tie in and i used to like shocking people with pics and movies of Ronnie Coleman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Legend Killer Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 I don't think it's something that's in the New Zealand psyche as much as in other countries. Here we just want a good feed of fish and chips, and then watch it down with a few Tui's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr yoyo Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 i actually think the nz mentality is changing, possibly a reflection of the multi culturalisim of our society these days..a lil while back, you were gay if you cared..now your "metro sexual" and i know a cr@p load of guys have more product then women. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frogie2001 Posted September 5, 2006 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 no way. i reckon this is huge uin nz. chjick do put a fair amount of pressure on the "man" image. big shoulders and a six pack. their was a doco on a few years back on this in the uk. and this bloke would train and strict diet , live at the gym. after several years no changes. ruined his relatioship because of the obsesive nature etc, the problem is here too though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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