Fatores Associados à Imagem Corporal em Homens Universitários de acordo com a Orientação Sexual

Abstract

Body image has a broad concept, involving physiological, psychological, and social processes that can influence this construct either positively or negatively. Body dissatisfaction in men may stem from the pursuit of a muscular and/or slim body, potentially leading to disordered eating behaviors. Objective: To investigate whether there is a relationship between the sexual orientation of male university students and body satisfaction. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted with cisgender male students from a federal university residing in the metropolitan region of Belém. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee (approval number 6.546.760), and participant recruitment took place both in person at the university and online, from March to August 2024. Data collection was carried out virtually using five instruments: a sample characterization questionnaire, the Kakeshita Silhouette Scale, the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire – 4R - Male, the Body Appreciation Scale and the Self-Objectification Beliefs and Behaviors Scale. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: A high prevalence of body dissatisfaction and body distortion was found among university students, regardless of sexual orientation. Male sexual minorities showed higher levels of selfobjectification beliefs and behaviors. The findings of this study broaden the understanding of how screen time and sociocultural pressure influence body satisfaction. Sociocultural pressure and self-objectification beliefs and behaviors showed statistically significant differences based on sexual orientation. Conclusion: The inclusion of the male university population in public politics and actions related to the impact of body idealization on health is essential, as is the development of strategies to help prevent stress factors associated with body dissatisfaction.