Methods and methodologies: investigating gay men's body image in Westernized cultures

Abstract

In the period from 2000 to 2007, 45 peer-reviewed articles have been published regarding body image in gay men from Westernized cultures. Despite that academic focus on gay men's bodies, little attention has been paid to the methods and methodologies used to generate that knowledge. This article conducted a systematic literature review of the peer-reviewed articles published during that eight-year period so as to engage in an analysis and critique of the methods used in gay male body image research. Emergent themes from the review included the need for improved recruitment methods, the precarious role of the Internet in body image research, a need for clarity regarding the definition of homosexuality and bisexuality, a lack of longitudinal data, the need for psychometric standardization, and openness regarding methodology on the part of qualitative research. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• body image
• gay men
• homosexuality
• men's health
• research methods
• assessment
• methodology

Notes

Notes

1. Heteronormativity has been defined as ‘the cultural ideology that perpetuates sexual stigma by denying and denigrating any nonheterosexual form of behavior, identity, relationship, or community’ (Herek 2004, p. 16).

2. The unique social position of bisexual men refers both to their position of being attracted to both sexes, but also the large degree of social exclusion faced by bisexual men from both gay and straight communities (e.g. ‘biphobia’; see Weiss 2004).