Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Clinical Anthropometrics and Body Composition from 3-Dimensional Optical Imaging
Published on: June 7, 2024
Predicting drive for muscularity behavioural engagement from body image attitudes and emotions
1Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom. dvt@aber.ac.uk
Abstract:
We examined the potential moderating effects of appearance investment, body image disturbance, and situational body image dysphoria on the drive for muscularity attitude-behaviour relationship. Participants (339 British college men, M(AGE)=20.00 years, SD=2.59) completed drive for muscularity attitude and behaviour, appearance investment, body image disturbance, and situational body image dysphoria measures. Results indicated higher levels of appearance investment, body image disturbance, and situational body image dysphoria were associated with increases in the drive for muscularity attitude's relationship with physique-enhancing behavioural engagement. Results help extend recent research that has moved beyond identifying correlates to examining ways that groups of variables interact to predict drive for muscularity behavioural engagement and may contribute to theory development.
Related Concept Videos
Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model

