Peer Teasing and Muscle Dysmorphia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of bodily-related teasing during childhood and adolescence on Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) symptomology during adulthood. Another goal of this study was to investigate the connection between bodily peer teasing to lowself- esteem and negative affect, two factors that have been argued to be contributing factors of MD. 79 individuals who identified as male and were 18 years old or order were recruited to participate in the study. However, only 70 people completed the questionnaires to completion. Participants completed the Muscle Dysmorphia Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-GAD). A correlation analysis and linear regression analysis indicated that there was not a significant relationship between bodily-related childhood teasing and MD symptomology. Results also indicated there was not a significant relationship between bodily-related childhood teasing and self-esteem. However, results indicated men who experienced bodily related peer teasing during childhood and adolescence had more symptoms of depression and anxiety as adults than those who did not.