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Given that a high drive for muscularity (DM) has been found to be associated with negative mental health outcomes for men, this research examined pathways involving social influence which may explain why some men are more susceptible to a DM than others. Building on previous qualitative research, this study examined psychosocial factors (self-esteem, perception of body by others, and body satisfaction during youth) and social influences (peer pressure and social media) associated with DM among young Australian men who lift weights and take bodybuilding supplements daily (N= 250) ��� both precursors for developing risky body enhancement strategies. This investigation extends the conceptualisation of social influence factors to include social identity (ingroup identification with a muscularity centred subculture). Path analysis found social media and peer pressure were directly associated with DM. Self-esteem and perception of body by others had a direct association with DM and an indirect association mediated by peer pressure and social media. Ingroup identification with a muscularity-centred subculture was associated with perception of body by others, peer pressure, and social media. These findings highlight the mediating role of social influences on DM in young men, reinforcing the role of peers especially via online mediums. Key Points What is already known about this topic:Men are increasingly reporting body dissatisfaction, often associated with an increased drive for muscularity.Research indicates a drive for muscularity is associated with psychosocial factors (e.g., self-esteem) and increasingly social influences (e.g., social media).Questions remain as to why some men are more susceptible than others to perform muscularity enhancing behaviour.What this topic adds:An online survey of 250 young men who weight-train and take supplements found social media and peer pressure had strong direct associations with DM.Psychosocial factors had direct and indirect associations with DM, mediated by the social influences of peer pressure and social media.Ingroup identification with a muscularity-centred subculture did not have a direct association with DM but was linked via other social influence constructs. Men are increasingly reporting body dissatisfaction, often associated with an increased drive for muscularity. Research indicates a drive for muscularity is associated with psychosocial factors (e.g., self-esteem) and increasingly social influences (e.g., social media). Questions remain as to why some men are more susceptible than others to perform muscularity enhancing behaviour.What this topic adds: An online survey of 250 young men who weight-train and take supplements found social media and peer pressure had strong direct associations with DM. Psychosocial factors had direct and indirect associations with DM, mediated by the social influences of peer pressure and social media. Ingroup identification with a muscularity-centred subculture did not have a direct association with DM but was linked via other social influence constructs.

World of Warcraft (WoW) is one of the most popular massively multiplayer online games. Previous studies have found evidence of in-game and offline social support among WoW players; however, the interplay of different types of social support such as informational and emotional support among this cohort has not been examined. This study used a reciprocal social support perspective to explore the system-level relationships among different types of social support in a sample of WoW players (N=181). Using network analysis, two major types of social support, informational and emotional, given and received within WoW and offline systems were included as model indicators. Social support networks of guild and non-guild members were compared. Clear separation was found between offline and in-game social support. Informational support played a key role in all networks but differences in the social support networks were identified between guild and non-guild members. These findings indicate dynamics between different types of social support overlooked in previous studies. By revealing such dynamics, network analysis has been shown as a promising tool for evidencing the subtle dynamics between distinct constructs.

Research has shown that a strong relationship exists between belongingness and depressive symptoms; however, the contribution of specific types of belongingness remains unknown. Participants (N=369) completed the sense of belonging instrument, psychological sense of organizational membership, and the depression scale of the depression anxiety stress scales. Factor analysis demonstrated that workplace and general belongingness are distinct constructs. When regressed onto depressive symptoms, these belongingness types made independent contributions, together accounting for 45% of variance, with no moderation effects evident. Hence, general belongingness and specific workplace belongingness appear to have strong additive links to depressive symptoms. These results add support to the belongingness hypothesis and sociometer theory and have significant implication for depression prevention and treatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.