The relationship between internalized homonegativity and body image concerns in sexual minority men: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

It remains unclear whether internalised homonegativity, a recognised predictor of internalising mental health problems, is related to body dissatisfaction in sexual minority men. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between the two variables. A literature search and the application of the inclusion criteria enabled us to locate 14 studies. Two of these were excluded from the meta-analysis because needed data were missing; the remaining 12 studies were included. The results showed positive and statistically significant associations between internalised homonegativity and different elements of body image concerns, indicating that higher levels of internalised homonegativity were related to higher levels of body image dissatisfaction in sexual minority men. Specifically, the pooled effect sizes were internalised homonegativity and muscularity-oriented body dissatisfaction, r₊ = .19; internalised homonegativity and thinness-oriented body dissatisfaction, r₊ = .16; internalised homonegativity and body surveillance, r₊ = .17; and internalised homonegativity and body-related distress, r₊ = .28. Limitations and future research directions are discussed as well as implications for clinical practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Internalised homonegativity
• body image
• sexual minority
• gay
• bisexual
• MWSM
• meta-analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura Badenes-Ribera

Laura Badenes-Ribera, PhD. Assistant Professor in Psychometrics and Research Methods whose research interest are sexuality, minority stress, gay and lesbian and meta-analysis at the University of Valencia.

Matteo Angelo Fabris

Matteo Angelo Fabris, Psychologist is a lectures in Developmental Psychology at the Department of Philosophy and Educational Science, University of Turin, whose research interests are in sexualities, gay, relationships, and child abuse.

Claudio Longobardi

Claudio Longobardi, PhD, is a Researcher and Assistant Professor in Developmental Psychology at the Department of Psychology, University of Turin. His main research interest are the study of violence in life course, relationships process and child typical and atypical development.