The relationship between internalized homonegativity and body image concerns in sexual minority men: a meta-analysis

It remains unclear whether internalised homonegativity, a recognised predictor of internalising mental health problems, is related to body dissatisfaction in sexual minority men. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between the two variables. A literature search and the application of the inclusion criteria enabled us to locate 14 studies. Two of these were excluded from the meta-analysis because needed data were missing; the remaining 12 studies were included. The results showed positive and statistically significant associations between internalised homonegativity and different elements of body image concerns, indicating that higher levels of internalised homonegativity were related to higher levels of body image dissatisfaction in sexual minority men. Specifically, the pooled effect sizes were internalised homonegativity and muscularity-oriented body dissatisfaction, r+ = .19; internalised homonegativity and thinness-oriented body dissatisfaction, r+ = .16; internalised homonegativity and body surveillance, r+ = .17; and internalised homonegativity and body-related distress, r+ = .28. Limitations and future research directions are discussed as well as implications for clinical practice.