Year: 2003
Type: dissertation
Abstract: A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was used to research men's experience with attempting to achieve an 'ideal ' masculine body. The current North American 'ideal' male body, media and cultural influences, a continuum of exercise and dieting behaviors, steroid use, addictions, eating disorders, and personality traits associated with bodybuilders and individuals with eating disorders were presented as factors that may provide insight into this phenomenon. Eight male research participants were interviewed in regards to their experiences with attempting to achieve an 'ideal ' masculine body. A dramaturgical life story approach to interviewing was used. A follow-up interview was conducted to allow each research participant to comment on the emerging themes shared by the researcher. The nine themes that emerged from the participants ' stories are: (1) I am not good enough, (2) judging genetics, (3) spiraling into obsession, (4) extreme commitment, (5) join the club, (6) no one understands me, (7) control, (8) it's all an optical illusion, and (9) overcoming the obsession. The results of this thesis combined with the literature suggest the following three conclusions. First, men who attempt to
Author: Angela D. Bardick
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1593273564