More Than Muscle: Exploring Bodybuilders’ Experiences of Body Image

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts: a systematic literature review, an empirical paper and appendices. This thesis aimed to explore bodybuilders’ experiences of body image, with a particular focus on subjective experiences using qualitative methodology.Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewThe systematic literature review explored how bodybuilders experience body image, addressing a gap in the predominantly quantitative and pathologizing literature. Eleven qualitative or mixed-methods studies were included, revealing four main themes: the desire to change the body, the positive impact of bodybuilding, body dissatisfaction, and the tension between muscularity and femininity. The findings show bodybuilding’s dual nature, providing both empowerment and distress, with bodybuilders reporting increased confidence but also persistent dissatisfaction. Female bodybuilders experienced additional challenges due to societal expectations of femininity. The review emphasizes the need for more qualitative research and psychological support tailored to bodybuilders, as well as culturally diverse, non-pathologizing studies.Part Two: Empirical PaperThe empirical paper explored how natural competitive female bodybuilders experience their bodies and psychological well-being throughout the competitive process. Through semi-structured interviews with 11 bodybuilders, qualitative data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four overarching themes were generated: experiences of the body prior to beginning bodybuilding, experiences of the ever-changing body, coping with the ever-changing body, and the bodybuilder identity. Findings indicated that negative body image and the desire to change the body may initiate bodybuilding, with body image dissatisfaction being pronounced during transitional periods. However, this distress was transient as participants adjusted to their bodies, reframing body image concerns within a performance-focused and competitive context. The study calls for further research and highlights the potential role of psychological support for individuals experiencing distress.Part Three comprises the Appendices:The appendices provide additional material supporting the systematic literature review and the empirical paper and offer further insight into the researcher’s position through the epistemological and reflective statements.