Prospective relationships of body appreciation and functionality appreciation with body dissatisfaction and psychological quality of life among sexual minority men

Abstract

Cross-sectional studies indicate that body appreciation and functionality appreciation are independently predictive of positive outcomes, including lower body dissatisfaction and improved psychological wellbeing. Sexual minority (e.g., gay, bisexual) men are underrepresented in positive body image research, warranting an examination of whether positive body image might also engender positive impacts on body image and psychological wellbeing for this population. We examined the longitudinal relationships of body appreciation and functionality appreciation with psychological quality of life (a multidimensional construct that encompasses psychological wellbeing, mental health, and self-worth), ..