“Determinants of Body Image Dissatisfaction among an LGBTQ community in Lebanon”

Abstract

A substantial mental health discrepancy has been recognized between sexual minorities and heterosexuals due the unique stressors sexual minorities are exposed to. These stressors account for several mental issues associated with body image dissatisfaction, a common concern worldwide. To date, a priori studies revealed inconsistent results with regards to body image dissatisfaction among sexual minorities. Additionally, scarce studies have investigated body image concerns among sexual minorities in Lebanon. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction among sexual minorities and to further explore the disparity between subgroups. Additionally, this paper sought to assess the correlation between fear of negative evaluation, generalized anxiety disorder, social support, experiences of harassment and discrimination and body image dissatisfaction. The current study is a population cross – section study of which a final sample of 358 participants of different sexual identities filled an online short survey assessing various factors contributing to body image dissatisfaction. Major results showed higher body image dissatisfaction in transgender individuals compared to their cis peers. Similarly, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and queer participants displayed higher body image dissatisfaction when compared to heterosexuals. Additionally, sexual minority subgroups reported disproportionate levels of body image dissatisfaction. Only generalized anxiety disorder, fear of negative evaluation and social support were significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction. In conclusion, these results call attention to body image concerns among sexual minorities and a need for more extensive research with regards to this topic.