The Adonis complex : body building and self-image of young males in Malta : an exploratory study

Abstract

The preoccupation with the self body image happens to be one of the more salient issues encountered during adolescence. On the contrary to what has been believed for a long time, it involves young people from both sexes. This study involving a number of local male bodybuilders, explores male body image dissatisfaction, also termed 'the Adonis Complex'. A qualitative approach consisting of ten in-depth one to one interviews with a number of persons involved in the local body building scene was utilised. Findings revealed that body image dissatisfaction among young males is one of the main motivating factors behind body building. Other perceptions and experiences from the backstage of the bodybuilding scene are brought to light and thoroughly examined. The study ends with a short list of recommendations in relation to the local youth policy and implications for further areas of research.