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Men's Body Image Narratives in Emerging Adulthood
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Qualitative Health Research
|January 14, 2026
Summary
Men
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Men's body image is under-researched.
- Body image significantly impacts mental health across all genders.
- Existing research on men's body image focuses on influences, not lifelong narratives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how emerging adult men narrate their body image experiences.
- To identify key communicative influences on these narratives.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews with eight emerging adult men (ages 18-25).
- Transcripts analyzed using a three-tier iterative coding process.
Main Results:
- Two distinct narrative styles emerged: "The Family Fit journey" and "The Social Son journey."
- These narratives highlight specific ways men communicate their body image experiences.
Conclusions:
- Findings align with social learning theory.
- Identifies implications for future research and practical interventions regarding men's body image.
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