The limits of being: An existential perspective on men’s muscle dysmorphia symptomology development and sustainment

Objectives. To explore men’s stories of muscle dysmorphia (MD)symptomology development and sustainment through an existential psychological lens. Methods. Life-story interviews and multiple informal conversations were undertaken with sixteen men (Mean age=28, SD=6.14
years) who believed that they were insufficiently muscular, and were consumed with muscle-building. Data were interpreted through an existential narrative analysis. Findings and Discussion. In adolescence, participants’ stories centred on how they encountered boundary situations that forced them to confront their limited existence. Most of the situations participants described were social and involved interactions with significant others. They also described how cultural scripts shaped and constrained them, and how they conformed to such expectations by participating in traditional masculine-typed activities (e.g., sports). Adhering to cultural scripts helped them establish a sense of purpose which aided them in navigating various
domains of their lives. Boundary situations, however, persisted and their limits continually resurfaced. The men experienced multiple different situations, but
these events often involved degrading interpersonal interactions (e.g., bullying) and prompted them to reflect on their circumstances, their embodiment, and the expectations of their world. Their understanding of their
situation and their search for control led them to the gym; building muscle was these men’s embodied solution to cope with their circumstances. The continual threat of their limits resurfacing resulted in the sustainment of their
muscle-building preoccupation. Conclusion. These findings extend the linear descriptions of MD symptomology development and sustainment by showing how these men interpreted their life experiences and became preoccupied
with their bodies to navigate their world.