Korde, Amber; (2025) Online Dating App Use and Muscle Dysmorphia Symptoms in Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Men. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to contribute to the scarce but expanding body of research exploring the relationship between online dating apps and body image problems, specifically muscle dysmorphia. Specifically, this study examined whether there is a link between online dating app use and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia and whether this association is stronger among sexual minority males. In addition, this study examined whether rejection sensitivity moderates the relationship between online dating app use and muscle dysmorphia symptoms in the sexual minority male population Method: A cross-sectional online survey with purposeful sampling was completed by 366 males aged 18 and older with current or past online dating app use, of whom 72 (19.67%) identified as heterosexual and 294 (80.33%) as sexual minority males. Participants completed measures of self-reported dating app use, the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI), and the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (ARSQ). Multiple linear regressions tested associations between dating app use and muscle dysmorphia symptoms, including moderation by sexuality and rejection sensitivity. Results: Online dating app use was not significantly associated with muscle dysmorphia symptoms (B = -0.014, p =.769) and there was no observed effect of sexuality on the relationship between online dating app use and muscle dysmorphia symptoms (F(3, 362) = 2.35, p = .072.). However, among sexual minority males with a high level of rejection sensitivity, online dating apps use was negatively associated with muscle dysmorphia symptoms (B = - 0.241, p = .038). Conclusion: These findings suggest that online dating app use and muscle dysmorphia symptoms may be related, but only under specific conditions. Among sexual minority males with high rejection sensitivity, a greater level of online dating app use was associated with a lower level of muscle dysmorphia symptoms. These results highlight the need for further research to better understand the relationship between online dating app use and muscle dysmorphia, particularly among sexual minority men who experience high levels of rejection sensitivity. Limitations of the current research are discussed alongside directions for future research.

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