The growth of muscle dysmorphia in athletes and a significant incidence of diseases that occur with this symptom, as well as the presence of many patients with severe depressive trends make necessary to search for the most effective ways of diagnostics and therapies (Steinfeldt et al., 2011). Muscle dysmorphia can be characterized as mild non-psychotic disorder with obsessive fear of neurotic character. Self-perception of body image in male athletes is different from the perception of their own body image among female athletes. A systematic review of studies on muscle dysmorphia issues showed that psychological and behavioral factors such as poor self-perception of their own body and their dissatisfaction, mental health, low self-efficacy, high performance expected of muscle mass also typical for female athletes.
Female athletes who have low self-esteem are likely to focus on the negative perception of their body image, often they make negative comparisons between the characteristics of their bodies and the "ideal" body (Steinfeldt et al., 2011). However, it can be said that female athletes suffer from muscle dysmorphia less than non-athlete males as in one research it was shown that 16% female athletes do not want to be muscular in contrast to the male athletes that can be justified by social standards of femininity (Steinfeldt et al., 2011). The authors believe that the main causes of muscle dysmorphia in males is associated with the cult of the beautiful male body, which is grafted with TV shows, the glossy magazines and so on.
According to M.Pritchard, A.Nielsen (2014) who analyzed the responses of 290 respondents male athletes have a higher level of claims on a scale the degree of muscle mass, but they also have higher self-esteem on this scale. Female athletes have a smaller drive for muscularity, respectively, they have less necessity to experience muscle dysmorphia (Pritchard, Nielsen, 2014). Analysis of the level of satisfaction with the body using Hildebrand's scale showed that female athletes perceive sport as a pleasure and a way of self-affirmation. Male athletes the greatest importance in the perception of their own body functions attached to individual parts of the body (Hildebrandt, Langenbucher, Schlundt, 2004). Back, arms and legs were called among the most significant parts. Male athletes are more intolerant to their appearance and often feel legs or shoulders insufficiently muscled. However, female bodybuilders and fitness lifters analysis showed that exercise s can be turned into a real addiction, demands on themselves in women are becoming higher and higher so the dissatisfaction of their muscle mass, despite clear progress is growing (Hale et al., 2013). It can lead to serious somatic and psychological disorders, including metabolic disorders. The authors have identified interventions typical behavioral approach: self-control behavior and progress (the observation of the behavior and its documentation), stimulus control of behavior, setting goals (daily or weekly), providing social support, problem solving, training of self-confidence, cognitive restructuring. It implies modification by reframing thoughts, replacing negative and self-destructive opinions (Hale et al., 2013).
It can be assumed that female athletes in the perception of their body are not oriented to external indicators, they concentrated on the sense of the body (Steinfeldt et al., 2011). Since personal characteristics in female athletes with muscle dysmorphia vary quite significantly, it is unlikely that they are the direct causes of muscle dysmorphia. However, as in the case of psychological factors and environmental factors, they can act as triggers for those people who already has a genetic predisposition to the disorder.
V.Ebbeck et al. (2009) analyzed the algorithm of muscle dysmorphia, which depends on the severity of the disease. Muscle dysmorphia requires a multi-component approach on the part of professionals, including attention to psychological issues, regardless of the level of development of the disease. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is used when the stimulus control of behavior, self-monitoring facilitates lifestyle changes and goals and helps in restructuring negative and self-destruct thoughts. The researchers suggest that cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy helps to "normalize" the patterns and reduce stress levels (Ebbeck, Watkins, Concepcion, Cardinal, Hammermeister, 2009). The role of psychotherapy implies promotion of self-esteem of patients and the development of motivation to comply with the habits of a healthy lifestyle that helps them get on with their own body image and cope with social prejudices.
References
Ebbeck, V., Watkins, P. L., Concepcion, R. Y., Cardinal, B. J., & Hammermeister, J. (2009). Muscle dysmorphia symptoms and their relationships to self-concept and negative affect among college recreational exercisers. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 21(3), 262-275.
Hale, D.B., Diehl, D., Weaver, K., and Briggs, M. (2013). Exercise Dependence and Muscle
Dysmorphia in Novice and Experienced Female Bodybuilders. PMC. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154574/
Hildebrandt, T., Langenbucher, J., & Schlundt, D. G. (2004). Muscularity concerns among men: Development of attitudinal and perceptual measures. Body Image, 1(2), 169-181.
Pritchard, M., & Nielsen, A. (2014). What Predicts Drive for Muscularity in Collegiate Athletes v. Non-Athletes?. Athletic Insight, 6(1), 1.
Steinfeldt, J. A., Carter, H., Benton, E., & Steinfeldt, M. C. (2011). Muscularity beliefs of female college student-athletes. Sex roles, 64(7-8), 543-554.
