Ross Thomson - BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling Studies
Ross Thomson, one of our graduates who studied BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling Studies
During his final year, Ross researched whether young male gym users are affected by what has been termed as the 'Adonis Complex' as part of his Independent Study module. Ross investigated whether there is a link between the pursuit of a lean muscular idealised body, the drive for muscularity and self esteem levels. In academic literature, academics Pope, Phillips and Olivardia (2000) identify male body image obsessions as the 'Adonis Complex'.
Ross embarked on research with 50 male gym users at LA Fitness in Derby who included weight and resistance training at least twice a week as part of their fitness regime. He also studied 50 male non-gym users from the wider Derby city area who had not taken part in regular exercise or sport for the last twelve months.
Ross discovered that the results for the gym users were similar to those reported by bodybuilders and weightlifters in other studies, suggesting this group might be at risk of adopting potential harmful behaviours in the pursuit of muscularity.
They may also be susceptible to priming effects such as images which promote muscle development found in gyms, resulting in lower self-esteem. The study found that gym users possessed a higher drive for muscularity than non-gym users and suffered from increased feelings of being insufficiently muscular, or too small compared with non-gym users, as measured by the MDI.
Ross said:
"While most men who exercise in gyms do so responsibly and are realistic about their physique, there appears to be a male body image continuum with those possessing excessive drive for muscularity levels being more susceptible to body dysmorphia. This particular group of men may also be at risk of adopting potential harmful behaviours such as eating disorders and steroid use in the pursuit of muscularity. While these concerns seem to be well known in bodybuilding and specialised gyms it is currently unclear how widespread this problem is in more mainstream fitness centres."
"I have really enjoyed my three years at Derby. The course and staff have been amazing and it's a wonderful surprise to have won the award for outstanding Independent Study."
Ross is due to present his research at the Midlands Health Psychology Conference in February.
