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Self-objectification and commentary on physical appearance predict exercise dependence in young Chinese males: a
Ling Su1, WenChi Zou2, RongHai Su3
1School of Management, Guangzhou College of Technology and Business, Foshan, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|November 17, 2025
Summary
In Chinese men, self-objectification and appearance commentary predict exercise dependence by increasing social physique anxiety and muscle dysmorphia. Addressing social feedback and emotional regulation is key for prevention and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Exercise dependence is a growing concern in China's fitness culture.
- Psychological mechanisms of exercise dependence in men remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the predictive roles of self-objectification and appearance-related commentary on exercise dependence.
- To investigate the sequential mediating roles of social physique anxiety and muscle dysmorphia in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A four-wave survey conducted over 20 weeks with 354 male gym members in China.
- Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Self-objectification and appearance commentary indirectly predicted exercise dependence.
- Social physique anxiety and muscle dysmorphia sequentially mediated the relationship.
Conclusions:
- Evaluative cognitions and appearance commentary can intensify emotional vulnerabilities, leading to maladaptive exercise behaviors.
- The findings extend the cognitive-behavioral model to Chinese men and highlight the need for interventions addressing social feedback and emotional regulation.
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