Research shows differences in body dissatisfaction between bisexual and gay men
Bisexual men are less motivated to be lean and show lower dissatisfaction with their muscularity compared to gay men, according to research by psychologists at Nottingham Trent University.
More than 370 gay, bisexual, and straight cisgender white men were questioned on their motivation to alter their leanness and muscularity, as well as (dis)satisfaction with body fat, muscularity, height, penis size, and functionality appreciation (how much they appreciate their body’s capabilities).
Findings showed that bisexual men experience different body image concerns to gay men, with a significantly lower drive for leanness and lower muscularity dissatisfaction - which is more comparable to straight men.
However, other body image concerns showed no significant difference with similar levels of dissatisfaction with body fat, height and penis size. Likewise, while bisexual and gay men may exhibit differences in their dissatisfaction with their muscularity, both experience similar motivations to achieve a muscular physique.
Dr Liam Cahill, lead researcher and lecturer in LGBTQ+ Psychology in NTU’s School of Social Sciences, said: “Society has different expectations for women and men, with a preference for men to be muscular or lean with low body fat. This study suggests that media and cultural emphasis on muscular, lean physiques influence all men in some way, regardless of sexuality.
“However, when it comes to increased pressure and dissatisfaction related to muscularity, previous studies have found that gay men's stronger preference for muscular partners may contribute to their higher levels. This is a pressure that bisexual men may only experience when they are integrated with the gay community, hence their dissatisfaction is lower.
“Traditionally, bisexual men have been grouped in the same category as gay men when it comes to body image research. We argue that this should not be the case as our findings show that they are unique in how they experience differences in their body image.”
Tackling bisexual erasure: An explorative comparison of bisexual, gay and straight cisgender men’s body image by Dr Liam Cahill, Dr Mohammed Malik, Dr Beth Jones, Dr Treshi-Marie Perera, and Professor Daragh McDermott has been published in the journal Body Image.