Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

12-1993

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Education

Major Professor

Kathleen Davis

Committee Members

Tracy Henley, Schuyler Buck, Steve McCallum

Abstract

In this study the multidimensional construct of body image was investigated in a sample of single men age 18 to 25 for two purposes. First, the relationship between one aspect of body image, appearance evaluation, and depressive symptomatology was explored. More specifically, the mediating effect of self-esteem and the moderating effects of internal-external attribution for body shape, appearance orientation, and sexual orientation on the relationship between appearance evaluation and depressive symptomatology were examined. Second, the heterosexual and gay participants were compared in regard to three aspects of body image: appearance orientation, appearance evaluation, and direction of body shape dissatisfaction. Data was obtained via questionnaires from 91 heterosexual and 55 gay men who were recruited from five southeastern public universities. It was found that (a) the relationship between appearance evaluation and depressive symptomatology significantly decreased when self-esteem was controlled statistically, (b) the participants who evaluated their appearance negatively and who were also highly appearance oriented reported more depressive symptomatology than other participants, and (c) the relationship between appearance evaluation and depressive symptomatology did not vary significantly either as a function of internal-external attribution for body shape or sexual orientation. The gay men reported being more appearance oriented and less satisfied with their appearance than did the heterosexual men. The percentages of heterosexual and gay men who wanted to be thinner, heavier, or maintain their current body shape did not differ significantly. Gay men who wanted a heavier body shape reported evaluating their appearance more negatively than did heterosexual men who wanted a heavier body shape. The findings were discussed in relation to Beck's theory of depression. Implications of the results and recommendations for future research were discussed.

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