Ideal body image: A male perspective on self

• We investigate the body image ideals of two age groups of males (18–25 years and 33–45 years).
• We examine satisfaction and dissatisfaction with body shape and motivations towards change in body shape.
• Findings indicate clear differences in drivers of body change behaviour between age groups.
• As men age, spouse and family motivate body change, health concerns the predominant driver of diet and exercise change.

Chinese abstract男性对自身外表的观念男性应有阳刚之气的社会观念在过去二十年间发生了巨大的变化，现在男性似乎更热衷于使用女性传统的[美容]方法改善和保持自己的外表 (例如使用美容护理产品)。当我们从女性的角度研究女性对自己身体外形不满时会修改身体外形的照片，然而我们却极少研究或关注男性遇到这些问题时的观点。因此本次研究探讨不同年龄阶段的男性是如何意识到自己的外表，以及是什么激发他们采取相关的行动改变或保持自己的外表。我们要求[受访的]男性将自己和媒体上的男性身体形象图片进行对比，以及从更普通的社会角度[进行比较]。 我们采用了探索性的研究方法，利用各种焦点小组并对两个不同年龄组别(18 – 25岁、33 – 45岁)的男性进行深入访问。调查结果指出两个组别之间对身体形象图片的整体感知存在差异，年轻男性更在乎减肥以及练就结实肌肉的身体，年长的男性更为关注健康和长寿的体魄。和研究女性身体外形的观念相比，本研究指出媒体以及社会的攀比，比起对身体的外形不满更能发挥正面的激发作用。

Societal notions of masculinity have changed greatly in the last two decades and males appear more interested in improving or maintaining their appearance in ways traditionally reserved for women (such as the use of cosmetic grooming products). Where female body dissatisfaction and drivers of appearance-related image modification have been studied from a feminine perspective, little research has focused on the perspective of men in relation to these issues. The current study thus examines how males of different ages perceive their physical appearance and what motivates them to undertake activities related to changing or maintaining that appearance. The study does this by asking males to compare themselves to male body images as constructed in the media and by society more generally. An exploratory approach to research is undertaken, utilising focus groups and depth interviews with males in two age cohorts (18–25 years and 33–45 years). Results suggest that there is a difference in overall perceptions of body image between the two groups, with younger males striving for a lean and muscular body and older males focused on health and lifespan concerns. In contrast to research examining female body perceptions, this study indicates that the media and social comparison act as positive motivators rather than sources of body dissatisfaction.