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METHODS

The current study was an attempt to explore body dissatisfaction in heterosexual men and

how social factors and relationships might impact the extent of body satisfaction or

dissatisfaction. The study explored body modification in men and how Covid-19 might have

impacted body satisfaction.

This chapter describes a detailed account of the methods used to conduct this study. This

involves, the research design and methodology, the sample studied, tools used, and the process of

data collection and analysis. This chapter also encloses the ethical considerations taken into

account during the process of this and study and the future implications this study might have.

Research design

This study used an exploratory quantitative research design to understand the topic of

body dissatisfaction in Indian heterosexual men. Quantitative research methods were used to

gather information. The study believes answers to the research can be quantified or numerated,

which also maintains objectivity and gives a less biased understanding of the research topic. A

quantitative approach is defined by (Cresswell, 2003; p.18) as:

One in which the investigator primarily uses post-positivist claims for developing

knowledge (i.e. cause and effect thinking, reduction to specific variables and hypotheses

and questions, use of measurement and observation and the test of theories), employs

strategies of inquiry such as experiments and surveys and collects data on predetermined
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instruments that yield statistical data.

Sample details

Keeping the objectives of the study in mind, the sample consisted of (Data to be filled )

Indian heterosexual men- between the age range of 21-30 years. A study done by (Cordes, 2016)

shows that adult men are more likely to be dissatisfied with their body and their lack of

muscularity and attempt to attain a more muscular, larger, V-shaped body.

The twenties is a time most individuals are either students or hold an occupation. They

start earning independently and are less dependent on their parents for money. A lot of young

males can be seen investing in gym and sports memberships. This is also the time when peak

strength and stamina are attained.

Furthermore, this is also the time men are most active on dating sites and most men get

married. According to a study, India, being the second largest online dating population in the

world, has over 69% of male users on dating apps compared to the 31% of females. And 90% of

its users are between the ages of 21-34. Therefore making this age group of the population

important and ideal for the purpose of this study.

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No restriction was placed on the socio-economic level of the participant or the education

level, although the sample is likely to be middle class given the English fluency of the survey

given. In terms of relationship, single, committed and married men were included. Homosexual,

bisexual, and transgender men were excluded from the sample. Men with clinically diagnosed

eating disorders were also excluded.

The participants had to be fluent in English and computer literate. This was because the

questionnaire was developed in English since survey was predominantly distributed via mail and

WhatsApp.

The sampling method used in the study was snowball sampling as well as non-probability

convenience and purposive sampling. The primary participants of the study were friends and

acquaintances of the researcher - these initial participants subsequently approached their own

friends, acquaintances, and colleagues who met the criteria and were willing to participate in the

study.

Method of data collection

The study was conducted with the help of a quantitative approach in collecting the
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necessary data. A detailed questionnaire was created keeping in mind the dimensions to be

studied by the researcher. The dimensions were body dissatisfaction in terms of one’s body and

features, social factors influencing body satisfaction/dissatisfaction, body modification, how

relationships affect body satisfaction, and the impact of Covid-19 on the same.

A quantitative method of gathering data was also considered appropriate since it was the easiest

and the most convenient way to do so in the circumstances surrounding the pandemic.

The questionnaire:

A questionnaire was decided to be the choice of the method of collecting data since it is

the most convenient way to gathering large amounts of data in a short period of time. It can also

be distributed easily by using mail, or by sharing the link of the questionnaire through messages.

Additionally, the anonymity offered by the questionnaire would encourage more people to give

honest responses as opposed to an interview. The questionnaire further helped in this area as well

since the questionnaire could be easily distributed by friends and acquaintances.

An online questionnaire was created using Survey monkey since it was cost effective,

gave the researcher access to a largers sample, flexibility, a sense of control over the format of

the questionnaire, and efficient data management as opposed to paper-pencil tests. There’s also

protection against loss of data and a simpler transfer of data to the analysing software.

A large part of this questionnaire was adapted from Paras Sharma’s thesis “Male Body

Image: A study of young adults in Mumbai” (2011). The researcher took parts of Sharma’s

questionnaire related to the features/body men might be satisfied/dissatisfied with, social

influences of body satisfaction/dissatisfaction, and body modification (exercise).

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A questionnaire consisting of 63 questions in total was developed by the researcher with

the help of her guide. This questionnaire had multiple-choice questions as well as a few open-

ended questions on the issues and themes which were related to the dimensions of body

dissatisfaction the researcher had chosen to study. The questionnaire was divided into sections

covering aspects related to the body and features of men, social influences on body satisfaction,

body modification, the impact of relationships of body dissatisfaction, and the impact of

Covid19.

A front sheet attached to the questionnaire provided the participants with a brief

introduction about the purpose of the study, the background, and the contact details. There was

also a brief on anonymity and confidentiality. The questionnaire included seven questions asking

for personal information like name, age, height, weight, relationship status, occupation, and

where one belongs from. The participants were allowed to withhold their names to ensure

anonymity.

At the end of the questionnaire, the participants were thanked for their participation and

were provided with a link that opened a document containing resources and information for

mental health. This included the phone number of TISS ICall, AASRA, Vandrevala foundation,

and Samaritans Mumbai.

In the unprecedented times we are living in, the pandemic has been having brought in a

host of mental health issues like stress, anxiety and, even depression for a. Therefore, to spread

awareness about mental health and to provide resources to those who might need it, the
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researcher felt it was ethical to provide information for mental health.

The pilot test:

This questionnaire was piloted on a sample size of 10 men between the ages of 21-30

years.

The questionnaires were administered and feedback was taken from all the participants.

None of the participants found the questions to be too difficult to understand, although a few of

them did say that some of the questions were repetitive. The participants did criticize the length

of the questionnaire but also appreciated how intensive it was. They also reported how at first

glance it looked really long however, they could complete it within 15 minutes. Apart from this,

there was no major criticism from the participants. None of them needed any additional

instructions or descriptions for the questions.

For Q45(b)- “Has there been any change in your drinking patterns since the pandemic?”

and Q46(b)- “Has there been any change in your smoking patterns since the pandemic?”, an

option of “I’ve begun to drink less/ smoke less” was respectively added after taking into account

a participant’s feedback about how people have started drinking and smoking less since social

drinking and smoking have reduced and how men are trying to be more conscious about their

health.

The feedback was taken into account and changes were made before distributing the final

questionnaire and beginning the final data collection.

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Final questionnaire in Appendix _---

Method of Analysis:

The data was gathered through the questionnaire was analyzed using the SPSS-17 package.

Ethical considerations:
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The research process has to be sensitive to ethical considerations. Thus, the following

were taken care of throughout the process.

The debriefing sheet of the survey provided a clear statement to the participants regarding

the purpose of the study; and an explanation as to the procedures of the study. In addition to

being written on the debriefing sheet, the survey started with a sheet asking about the

participant’s voluntary involvement and that they had the right to withdraw at any time.

No participant was forced to participate in the study by the researcher. It is also important

to stress the matter of anonymity and confidentiality, especially since this research study deals

with personal and sensitive information. This too was stressed by the researcher in the debriefing

sheet. The participants had a choice as to whether or not to disclose their names. The names of

the participants, if disclosed, were not revealed to anyone in the process of the study.

At the end of the survey, a link was attached which opened to a document with

information on mental health resources.

References

Barbeite F. G., Weiss E. M. Computer self-efcacy and anxiety scales for an Internet

sample: Testing measurement equivalence of existing measures and development of new scales //

Computers in Human Behavior. 2004, vol. 20 (1), p. 1–15

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Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, D. J. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative,

and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

https://blog.gwi.com/chart-of-the-week/differences-among-online-daters/

Ilieva J., Baron S., Healey N. M. Online surveys in marketing research: Pros and cons //

International Journal of Market Research. 2002, vol. 44, p. 361–376.

Van Selm M., Jankowski W. J. Conducting on-line surveys // Quality and Quantity.

2006, vol. 40, p. 435–456

Wright D. L., Aquilino W. S., Supple A. J. A comparison of computer-assisted and

paper-and-pencil self-administered questionnaires in a Survey on smoking, alcohol, and drug use

// Public Opinion Quarterly. 1998, vol. 62, p. 331–353.

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