Male Voices on Body Image

This study examines male body image perceptions, motivations, and related behaviors through a qualitative approach. Eleven males between the ages of 18 and 25 participated in two semistructured interviews. During the first interview, participants were presented with three pictures that represented different body types as well as two image scales that ranged in muscularity and adiposity. The images served to stimulate conversation about a number of questions posed. The follow-up interviews permitted the participants to voice additional information pertaining to the first interview as well as assess their comfort level with the interview process. Discussion surrounds the males’ level of body satisfaction, perception of the ideal male physique, perceived influences, perceived psychosocial consequences, perceived motivations, and behaviors employed to attain or maintain their desired body type. Finally, the utilization of cross-gender interviewing when investigating male body image is addressed.