Interaction Between Social Support and Muscle Dysmorphia: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Social Media Use

Muscle dysmorphia (MD) consists of a type of body dysmorphic disorder and involves a distorted perception of one’s muscles, strict diets, and workouts. Mostly, studies focus on adult male athletes, especially bodybuilders, while research on adolescents and women is limited. Our study aims to explore potential protective or risk factors influencing MD, using a mediation model calculated through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and at the same time help to involve female individuals in the exploration of a distress traditionally and predominantly analyzed only in male individuals. The model examines whether problematic social media use (PSMU) and generalized self-efficacy (GSE) are potential first- and second-level mediators, respectively, in the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) and MD. The sample consisted of 2325 individuals of both sexes aged 14–29 years. Structural equation models were used to assess effect sizes, regressions, and direct and indirect effects of perceived social support on muscle dysmorphia and general self-efficacy both on problematic social media use and muscle dysmorphia. Our results suggest that inadequate perceived social support may reduce individuals’ perceived effectiveness in managing daily challenges, potentially leading to problematic use of social media, which may contribute to muscle dysmorphia symptoms. Future interventions could promote a healthier perception of one’s body, improving confidence in individuals’ coping strategies and strengthening the social environment of reference.