Factors Perceived to Influence Young Irish Men's Body Image Investment: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

To better understand young Irish men’s investment in their body image, a series of focus groups and personal interviews were conducted (N = 28). Recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Numerous themes emerged: factors thought to intensify body image investment (media, sexual partners, body comparison, participation in sport, peers, negative commentary, family, striving for a healthy body, and striving for psychological well-being) and influences believed to weaken body image investment (appearance is unimportant and the time and effort expended to achieve the ideal are prohibitive). Illustrative quotes are used to represent each theme, and findings are discussed with respect to the participants’ own body image attitudes.