The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Effect of Muscle Dysmorphia on Exercise Dependence
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the mediating role of self-esteem in the effect of muscle dysmorphia on exercise dependence in young men.
Method: This descriptive study was conducted with 500 male individuals aged 18-30 years living in Turkey. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Information Form", the "Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory", the "Exercise Dependence Scale" and the "Rosenberg Scale of Self-esteem".
Results: The effect of muscle dysmorphia on exercise dependence was found to be significant and positive. The effect of self-esteem level on exercise dependence was found to be significant and negative. It was determined that the effect of "Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory" on " Exercise Dependence Scale " was realized through the variable " Rosenberg Scale of Self-esteem" (B=-0.08, β=-0.03, SH=0.02, LLCI=-0.13, ULCI=-0.04). This finding shows that each unit increase in the " Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory" score causes a 0.08 unit decrease in the "Exercise Dependence Scale" score through the "Rosenberg Scale of Self-esteem", in other words, there is a mediation effect.
Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that high levels of muscle dysmorphia increased the risk of exercise dependence in young men, but self-esteem had a decreasing role on this negative effect.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Mental Health Nursing
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Early Pub Date
August 31, 2026
Publication Date
August 31, 2026
Submission Date
March 19, 2025
Acceptance Date
July 29, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: 30