Psychology Ph.D. Dissertations
Title
Physical and Psychological Correlates of the Drive for Muscularity: Gender and Grade Differences
Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Psychology/Clinical
First Advisor
Dara Musher-Eizenman, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Robert Carels, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Third Advisor
Lynn Darby, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Fourth Advisor
Catherine Stein, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Abstract
Although recent research has begun to examine body image and exercise concerns in men, boys and girls of all ages have largely been neglected. The present study sought to expand previous research examining the drive for muscularity and various physical and psychological variables to boys and girls of difference developmental stages. Participants included boys and girls in grades four, seven, and ten, and college freshmen from a medium-sized city in Western Canada. Results suggest that many potentially harmful physical and psychological body image, eating, and exercise beliefs and practices peak around tenth-grade though are clearly present among fourth-graders. Furthermore, boys and girls with a greater drive for muscularity possess similar psychological profiles which include engaging in potentially detrimental exercise and eating practices. The findings point to the importance of assessing the drive for muscularity, body image, eating attitudes, and exercise concerns and practices in both boys and girls of various ages.
Recommended Citation
Neufeld, Jennie, "Physical and Psychological Correlates of the Drive for Muscularity: Gender and Grade Differences" (2009). Psychology Ph.D. Dissertations. 38.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/psychology_diss/38