Introduction: Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is defined as a consistent preoccupation over one’s own muscularity and body weight. MD is a subtype of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and is associated with a myriad of acute and long-term health outcomes, including suicidal behavior. Research examining the mechanisms through which suicidal behavior is related to MD is limited, but bodybuilders and military personnel may be at higher risk of endorsing MD symptoms. Methods and Materials: The 296 participants (bodybuilders: n=160; military: n=180) were asked to complete questionnaires on MD symptoms, current suicidal ideation, and exercise behaviors. Group differences were then examined. Results: All dimensions of the Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory (MDDI) in both samples were correlated with current suicidal ideation. Discussion: Findings on associations between the MDDI and suicidal ideation were consistent with literature, as were findings concerning differences in gender. Appearance intolerance was more associated with current suicidal ideation in the military, while functional impairment was associated with current suicidal ideation in bodybuilders. Limitations: The sample used was cross-sectional and thus causal relationships about MD symptomatology and suicidal ideation could not be ascertained. Future Directions: We recommend using a clinical sample including high risk groups for endorsing MD symptoms. Future studies might utilize a longitudinal design to be able to make retrospective analyses. Conclusion: Future research can provide needed evidence detailing the prevalence and severity of suicidality in individuals with MD. About the Investigator: Will Morgan is a research assistant in the Research on Eating Disorders and Suicidality (REDS) Lab at Miami University. His research on suicidal behavior and MD is in line with his long-term career goals to obtain his PhD in Clinical Psychology to conduct research on suicidality and related comorbidities.”
Author: Robert William Morgan, Psychology and Pre-Medical Studies Major
Faculty Advisor: April Smith, Psychology
Graduate Student Advisor: Shelby Ortiz, Psychology
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