Muscle dysmorphia symptomatology in male exercisers: Associations with cognitive flexibility and appearance...

The association between sociocultural pressure and muscle dysmorphia (MD) is well-documented, yet the psychological variables involved require further investigation. This cross-sectional study examined a statistical model in 95 male exercisers in Spain (M age = 34.40) to explore the roles of appearance motivation and cognitive flexibility. Specifically, it tested the indirect association between the perceived influence of appearance ideals and MD symptoms through appearance motivation, and whether cognitive flexibility moderated this relationship. The overall model accounted for 48 % of the variance in MD symptoms (R² = 0.48), controlling for age. Results indicated a significant indirect association through appearance motivation (b = 0.16, 95 % CI [0.03, 0.36]). Additionally, a significant moderation was found (p = .043); the positive association between the influence of appearance ideals and MD symptoms was weaker for individuals with higher levels of cognitive flexibility. These findings are consistent with a model where MD symptom endorsement is linked to appearance motivation, while higher cognitive flexibility is related to a less pronounced association between sociocultural pressures and MD symptoms. Cognitive flexibility is highlighted as a potential protective correlate, suggesting that interventions could target motivational patterns and cognitive skills.