Self-objectification and commentary on physical appearance predict exercise dependence in young Chinese males: a study from a cognitive-behavioral perspective

TL;DR

This study finds that self-objectification and appearance-related comments contribute to exercise dependence in young Chinese males through anxiety and body image issues.

Contribution

The study extends Cash’s cognitive-behavioral model to Chinese men and identifies new indirect pathways to exercise dependence.

Findings

Self-objectification and appearance commentary predict exercise dependence through social physique anxiety and muscle dysmorphia.

Evaluative cognitions and appearance-related feedback increase emotional vulnerabilities linked to maladaptive exercise behaviors.

The cognitive-behavioral model is validated in the context of Chinese male gym-goers.

Abstract

Exercise dependence has emerged as a growing concern in China alongside the rapid expansion of fitness culture, yet little is known about its psychological mechanisms in men. Guided by Cash’s cognitive-behavioral model, this study examined whether self-objectification and appearance-related commentary predict exercise dependence through the sequential mediating roles of social physique anxiety and muscle dysmorphia. Data were collected in a four-wave survey over 20 weeks from 354 gym members across 12 clubs in three major Chinese cities. Participants were well-educated male strength-training enthusiasts, had stable incomes, and reported regular training habits, aged 24–45 years. Structural equation modeling supported the hypothesized model: both self-objectification (B = 0.08, p < 0.05, 95% CI [0.07, 0.29]) and appearance commentary (B = 0.21, p < 0.05, 95% CI [0.09, 0.34]) predicted exercise dependence indirectly through social physique anxiety and muscle dysmorphia. Findings highlight that evaluative cognitions and appearance-related commentary exacerbate emotional vulnerabilities, which in turn fuel maladaptive exercise behaviors. The study advances theory by extending the cognitive-behavioral model to Chinese men and underscores the importance of addressing both social feedback and emotional regulation in prevention and intervention efforts.

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