The Mediating Role of Body-Related Self-Conscious Emotions in the Relationship between Emotion Dysregulation and Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology among Young Men Attending Gyms

Abstract

Previous research on body image psychopathology has increasingly emphasized the role of self-conscious emotions in shaping men’s body-related attitudes and behaviors. At the same time, difficulties in emotion regulation have been consistently identified as a transdiagnostic factor underlying various forms of dysfunctional appearance-related concerns. Building on this, the present study examined whether body-related self-conscious emotions (shame, guilt, authentic pride, and hubristic pride) mediate the relationship between emotion dysregulation and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology among young men engaged in weight training. A total sample of N = 206 male gym-goers aged 18-30 completed standardized measures assessing emotion dysregulation, body-related self-conscious emotions, and muscle dysmorphia symptoms. Four separate mediation models (PROCESS, Model 4) were tested. Results indicated that shame and guilt fully mediated the relationship between emotion dysregulation and muscle dysmorphia symptoms, whereas authentic pride and hubristic pride acted as partial mediators in opposite directions: authentic pride buffered, while hubristic pride amplified the association. Collectively, the models explained between 18% and 25% of the variance in muscle dysmorphia symptoms. These findings highlight the pivotal role of body-related self-conscious emotions as affective mechanisms linking difficulties in emotion regulation to men’s drive for muscularity and broader dysmorphic symptomatology.