Adonis or Hephaestus? Exploring Body Image in Male Athletes

Much like the Greek mythological figure Adonis, male athletes with hypermuscular and hyperlean physiques embody the ultimate form of masculinity (A. Furnham, N. Badtnin, & I. Sneade, 2002). However, the use of pathogenic weight-loss behaviors and performance-enhancing substances indicate that male athletes are often dissatisfied with their bodies and perhaps view themselves as more like Hephaestus, the only Greek god depicted as physically weak and unattractive (A. Baum, 2006; R. Buxton, 2004; T. Layden, 2006). Recent weight loss and performance-enhancing substance-related deaths highlight the risky nature of male athletes' pursuit of the ideal body (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1998; D. C. Jones & J. K. Crawford, 2005; L. J. Wertheim, L. F. Llosa, & L. Munson, 2003). This study explored the social construction of body image experiences for male athletes. Qualitative interviews with 10 current and former competitive male athletes revealed 6 general dimensions: (a) wide-ranging impact of sport on body image, (b) sociocultural body image influences, (c) body dissatisfaction, (d) body-enhancing behaviors, (e) positive feelings about one's body, and (f) positive consequences of achieving the ideal body. Findings are discussed in the context of hegemonic masculinity and extant gender role and social comparison theories.