Masculine capital and men's body image: managing appearance concerns and implications for health interventions.

Objective

Men's body dissatisfaction is a significant public health concern, yet existing interventions show limited effectiveness. This study explores how masculinity shapes men's body image experiences which may inform more effective, gender-sensitive interventions.

Methods

AND MEASURES A qualitative design was employed using an anonymous online survey containing open-ended questions about body image and related experiences. One hundred- and fourteen-men aged 16-39 participated. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, with contextual negotiation of masculine capital applied as a theoretical lens to guide interpretation.

Results

Our analysis generated one overarching theme: Men are not allowed to have problems; they should be able to 'do something about it', encapsulating two subthemes: Talk about it, you've got to be joking! and Conform, compare and COMPETE. Findings indicate that body dissatisfaction is embedded within broader masculinity norms that restrict expression of dissatisfaction more generally. Participants described pressure to continually improve their bodies, alongside recognition of impracticality. While external validation was positioned as important for body appreciation, participants simultaneously rejected its influence, reflecting tensions in negotiating masculine ideals.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the complexities of negotiating masculine capital in relation to body image and suggest important considerations for the development of future prevention and intervention strategies.