The role of partners in shaping the body image and body change strategies of adult men ——Partners and male body image

Marita P. McCabe, Shauna McGreevy

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DOI: 10.4236/health.2010.29148                

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between perceived messages about the bodies of adult men from their sexual partners and the actual body image of these men. Interviews were conducted among 38 middle-aged men. Feedback from partners was generally complimentary, and the men were generally positive about their body image. Partners were seen to be more focused on a healthy body rather than a physically attractive body. The implications of these findings for better understanding the social influence on adult men to obtain a healthy body weight are discussed.

Keywords

Men; Body Image; Partners; Qualitative

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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