Examining the reciprocal associations of muscularity bias internalization with muscularity-oriented disordered eating, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and eating-related psychosocial impairment in Chinese adults

Emerging empirical evidence supports muscularity bias internalization as a close correlate of muscularity-oriented disordered eating, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and eating-related psychosocial impairment. However, there is a lack of research investigating the longitudinal links of muscularity bias internalization with these related variables. Drawing on longitudinal research evidence from weight bias internalization supporting reciprocal associations with biopsychosocial outcomes, the present study examined the reciprocal associations of muscularity bias internalization with muscularity-oriented disordered eating, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and eating-related psychosocial impairment. An online sample of 799 Chinese adults (400 men and 399 women; baseline M_age=29.96 years) provided data at baseline (T1) and six months later (T2). Cross-lagged regression analyses were conducted. Results showed that muscularity bias internalization had reciprocal associations with these three variables. Specifically, muscularity bias internalization at T1 was associated with higher muscularity-oriented disordered eating, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and eating-related psychosocial impairment at T2. Also, higher muscularity-oriented disordered eating, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and eating-related psychosocial impairment at T1 were associated with higher muscularity bias internalization at T2. Findings suggest cyclic associations between muscularity bias internalization and muscularity-oriented disordered eating, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and eating-related psychosocial impairment, and interventions targeting muscularity bias internalization may be a promising strategy to reduce muscularity-related psychopathology.