Representation of Bigorexia in Cartoons

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze how bigorexia is represented in cartoons through document analysis and to contribute to raising public awareness of the risk factors associated with the pursuit of an excessively muscular physique as conveyed through these representations. Utilizing a qualitative research method, 29 cartoons were analyzed through content analysis and evaluated using the MAXQDA-2020 program. The findings identified four main themes: gender, psychological, physiological, and socio-cultural factors. A total of 235 codes were generated, with psychological factors being the most frequently coded theme. Sub-themes such as "expectation," "anxiety," and "dissatisfaction" were particularly notable. The results of the study indicate that bigorexia is closely associated with male individuals, linked to societal norms, media influence, and masculine identity. The cartoons examined highlight risks related to steroid use, excessive exercise, and body abuse. Moreover, the findings emphasize that media influence and the idealization of specific body standards may contribute to the development of bigorexia. This study underscores the importance of raising societal awareness about bigorexia, restructuring media content, and encouraging individuals to engage in physical activities under professional supervision. Furthermore, it advocates for the development of educational programs and policies aimed at reshaping societal perceptions and addressing the underlying factors contributing to bigorexia.

Keywords

• bigorexia
• body dysmorphic disorder
• sport psychology

Bigoreksiyanın Karikatürlerde Temsili

Abstract

Bu araştırmanın amacı, bigoreksiyanın karikatürlerde nasıl temsil edildiğini doküman inceleme yöntemiyle analiz etmek ve bu temsiller aracılığıyla aşırı kaslı bir görünüme ulaşma çabasının doğurabileceği risk faktörlerine ilişkin toplumsal farkındalığın artırılmasına katkı sağlamaktır. Nitel bir yöntem olan içerik analizi kullanılarak 29 karikatür analiz edilmiş ve MAXQDA-2020 programı ile değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularında dört ana tema ortaya çıkmıştır: cinsiyet, psikolojik, fizyolojik ve sosyo-kültürel faktörler. Toplam 235 kodlama yapılmış ve en fazla kodlanan tema, psikolojik faktörler olmuştur. Özellikle “beklenti”, “kaygı” ve “memnuniyetsizlik” gibi alt temalar dikkat çekmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları, bigoreksiyanın özellikle erkek bireylerle özdeşleşmiş olduğunu ve bu durumun toplumsal normlar, medya etkisi ve erkek kimliği ile yakından ilişkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Karikatürler, steroid kullanımı, aşırı egzersiz ve beden istismarına yönelik risklere işaret etmektedir. Ayrıca, medya etkisi ve idealize edilen beden algısının bigoreksiya oluşumunu tetikleyebileceği vurgulanmıştır. Bu çalışma, bigoreksiya ile ilgili toplumsal farkındalığın artırılması, medya içeriklerinin yeniden yapılandırılması ve bireylerin spor faaliyetlerini profesyonel rehberlik eşliğinde gerçekleştirmesi gibi önlemlerin önemine dikkat çekmektedir. Ayrıca toplumsal algıların değiştirilmesine yönelik eğitim programları ve politikaların geliştirilmesi önerilmektedir.

Keywords

• bigoreksiya
• beden dismorfik bozukluğu
• spor psikolojisi

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