Narcissism and Muscle Obsession in Men

The desire for more muscles, known as muscle dysmorphia or “Adonis complex,” is a body dysmorphic disorder that primarily affects men. Those who suffer from this condition see themselves as too skinny, despite having above-average muscle mass, and constantly focus on building more muscle. This often leads to the use of dangerous anabolic steroids or neglecting other areas of their lives. A recent study by the University of Stavanger has found that narcissism is often the trigger for muscle dysmorphia. The desire for more muscles could be a way for individuals to cope with feelings of inadequacy. The study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, involved around 500 men who had been regularly training for at least a year. The participants were asked about symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, their relationship with their father, and two types of narcissism: vulnerable narcissism, where individuals have a weak sense of self-worth and are oversensitive to criticism and rejection, and grandiose narcissism, where individuals have fantasies of greatness, entitlement, arrogance, and a desire for dominance. The analysis of the study data showed a strong positive correlation between vulnerable narcissism and muscle dysmorphia. The men who suffer from muscle dysmorphia are not trying to live out fantasies of greatness, but rather trying to stabilize their weak sense of self-worth through their trained bodies. Additionally, the obsession with muscles is indirectly related to an unfavorable relationship with their father, as previous studies have shown that both forms of narcissism are associated with different parenting approaches. The grandiose form tends to develop when parents make the child feel exceptional and give them preferential treatment, while the vulnerable form is associated with inadequate parental care and appreciation, frequent criticism, and emotional distance. The researchers concluded that a problematic relationship with the father could contribute to muscle obsession and should be addressed in psychotherapy. However, this is only an interpretation, and long-term studies would be necessary to draw conclusions about causality and effect. In future studies, the influence of the mother and other close relationships should also be considered.