The core of this essay is aimed to be about the psychological
impacts of men and their body dysmorphia, as this could be influence within the
visual representations in art and media as it contributes to shaping societal
ideals of beauty. As well as the ontology of toxic masculinity with what a man
should be stereotypically depicted and the analysis of the psychological impact
of steroids and gym usages.
To correlate your thesis to young men,
consider the following approaches:
1.
Exploring Male
Beauty Standards: While much of the
discourse surrounding beauty standards often focuses on women, young men are
also subject to societal pressures to conform to certain physical ideals.
Investigate how male beauty standards have evolved over time and how they
intersect with issues of masculinity and self-esteem. Analyse the impact of
media representations, including advertising and social media, on young men’s
perceptions of beauty and body image.
2.
Body
Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders:
Recognise that body dysmorphia and eating disorders are not exclusive to women
and can also affect young men. Examine the prevalence of these conditions among
young men and the factors that contribute to their development, including
societal pressures to achieve an idealized physique. Consider how the
normalization of extreme dieting and exercise regimens within certain
male-dominated communities, such as sports or fitness, can exacerbate these
issues.
3.
Impact of
Social Media and Influencers: Explore
how young men are influenced by images of idealized male bodies portrayed on
social media platforms and by male influencers. Investigate the role of
photoshop and filters in perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and the
impact of comparing oneself to digitally altered images. Consider how young men
navigate feelings of inadequacy and insecurity in a digital landscape where
validation is often based on appearance.
4.
Promoting
Positive Body Image and Self-Acceptance:
Offer strategies for promoting positive body image and self-acceptance among
young men. Consider the role of education, media literacy, and peer support in
challenging narrow beauty ideals and fostering a culture of acceptance and
inclusivity. Highlight the importance of encouraging young men to prioritise
their mental and emotional well-being over unattainable physical standards.
By incorporating these perspectives into your
thesis, you can broaden its relevance and appeal to young men, offering
valuable insights into the complexities of beauty, self-perception, and
societal expectations from a male perspective.
This essay will explore the potential of
utilising art therapy techniques to address body dysmorphia and promote
positive body image among men, with a particular emphasis on challenging
traditional notions of masculinity and beauty standards. The core focus will be
on examining the psychological impacts of body dysmorphia among men,
considering its influence within visual representations in art and media, which
significantly contribute to shaping societal ideals of beauty. Additionally,
the essay will delve into the ontology of toxic masculinity, depicting
stereotypical expectations of men, and will analyse the psychological
repercussions of steroid use and gym culture.
Moreover, the essay will investigate the
evolution of male beauty standards over time, examining their intersection with
issues of masculinity and self-esteem. It will scrutinise the impact of media
representations, including advertising and social media, on young men’s
perceptions of beauty and body image. The influence of social media and male
influencers, particularly in portraying idealised male bodies, will be
explored, along with the role of photoshop and filters in perpetuating
unrealistic beauty standards and exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and
insecurity.
Furthermore, the essay will provide strategies
for promoting positive body image and self-acceptance among young men. It will
consider the significance of education, media literacy, and peer support in
challenging narrow beauty ideals and fostering a culture of acceptance and
inclusivity. Emphasis will be placed on encouraging young men to prioritise
their mental and emotional well-being over unattainable physical standards,
thereby empowering them to resist societal pressures and cultivate a healthy relationship
with their bodies.
“Art Therapy and Men: Creative Treatment
of Trauma, Loss, and Grief” by David Read Johnson and Robert L. Johnson –
This book explores how art therapy can be used to address various mental health
issues, including body image concerns, among men. It provides case studies and
practical techniques for therapists working with male clients.
“Art Therapy with Young Men: Creative
Approaches for Addressing Their Unique Needs” by David Read Johnson and
Cathy A. Malchiodi – This book specifically focuses on using art therapy to
engage young men in therapeutic processes and address issues related to
masculinity, body image, and self-esteem.
“The Body Image Workbook for Men:
Activities to Help Men Recover from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Body
Dysmorphia” by Thomas F. Cash – While not specifically about art therapy,
this workbook offers practical exercises and activities aimed at helping men
overcome body image issues, including body dysmorphia, through self-reflection
and self-expression.
According to a study published in the
International Journal of Eating Disorders, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
affects approximately 2.5% of males. [Source: International Journal of Eating
Disorders, Volume 49, Issue 4]
Research conducted by the National Eating
Disorders Association (NEDA) indicates that 25% of individuals with anorexia
nervosa or bulimia nervosa are male. [Source: National Eating Disorders
Association]
A survey by the American Psychological
Association (APA) found that 30% of men report dissatisfaction with their
appearance. [Source: American Psychological Association]
Pope Jr, H. G., Phillips, K. A., &
Olivardia, R. (2000). The Adonis complex: The secret crisis of male body
obsession. Simon and Schuster.
^^ This book delves into the
psychological motivations driving men’s pursuit of an idealized physical
appearance, including the desire for increased confidence and social
acceptance.
Olivardia, R., Pope Jr, H. G., Borowiecki
III, J. J., & Cohane, G. H. (2004). Biceps and body image: The relationship
between muscularity and self-esteem, depression, and eating disorder symptoms.
Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 5(2), 112-120.
^^ This research article
explores the psychological impacts of muscularity ideals on men’s self-esteem,
depression, and eating disorder symptoms, shedding light on the complexities of
body image concerns among young men.
Olivardia,
R., Pope Jr, H. G., & Hudson, J. I. (2000). Muscle dysmorphia in male
weightlifters: A case-control study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(8),
1291-1296.
^^ This study investigates the
prevalence and psychological correlates of muscle dysmorphia, a subtype of body
dysmorphic disorder characterized by an obsession with muscularity, among male
weightlifters.
Griffiths, S., Murray, S. B., & Touyz, S.
(2013). Extending the masculinity hypothesis: An investigation of gender role
conformity, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating in young heterosexual
men. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 14(4), 383-387.
^^ This research article
examines the relationship between gender role conformity, body dissatisfaction,
and disordered eating behaviours among young heterosexual men, highlighting the
influence of societal pressures on male body image.
Raghunathan, R., & Naylor, R. W. (2009).
The unhealthy= tasty intuition and its effects on taste inferences, enjoyment,
and choice of food products. Journal of Marketing, 73(4), 90-104.
^^ This study explores the
“unhealthy equals tasty” intuition and its effects on taste
inferences, enjoyment, and choice of food products, providing insights into the
normalization of extreme dieting behaviors within certain male-dominated
communities.