Unpacking muscle dysmorphia symptoms in competitive powerlifters: gender differences and the role of psychological features, instagram use, and objective performance indicators

Objectives: Vulnerabilities to Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) symptoms have been reported among athletes involved in competitive resistance training sports. In this population, MD symptoms have been linked to adverse health outcomes, reduced performance, and risk of sport dropout. While previous research has mainly focused on men, little is known about women and gender-specific correlates of MD symptoms in competitive resistance training sports. This study investigated gender differences and examined relationships among psychological features, Instagram use, objective performance indicators, and MD symptoms in competitive powerlifters. Methods: A sample of 180 Italian competitive powerlifters (127 men, 53 women; mean age = 25.94, SD = 6.61) completed questionnaires assessing MD symptoms (score range 13-65), self-esteem (score range 0-30), perfectionism (score range 6-36), social phobia symptoms (score range 0-80), Instagram use (score ranges 13-65 and 15-75), and general distress (score range 0-63). Objective performance indicators (International Powerlifting Federation Goodlift [IPF GL] points) were also collected. Results: Gender differences revealed that men showed higher drive for size and overall MD symptoms, as well as lower social phobia symptoms, than women. Regression analyses indicated that, in men, MD symptoms were associated with appearance comparisons on Instagram and lower self-esteem. In women, MD symptoms were associated with lower self-esteem and poorer performance indicators. Conclusions: Findings highlight gender-specific patterns of association with MD symptoms, underscoring the importance of considering gender differences and both psychological and sport-specific factors when examining correlates of MD symptoms in competitive powerlifting athletes.