Adverse Childhood Experiences and Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology: Findings from a Sample of Canadian Adolescents and Young Adults

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are relatively common among the general population and have been shown to be associated with eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. It remains relatively unknown whether ACEs are associated with muscle dysmorphia. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ACEs and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology among a sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults. A community sample of 912 adolescents and young adults ages 16-30 years across Canada participated in this study. Participants completed a 15-item measure of ACEs (categorized to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 or more) and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory. Multiple linear regression analyses were utilized to determine the association between the number of ACEs experienced and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology. Participants who experienced five or more ACEs, compared to those who had experienced no ACEs, had more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, as well as more symptoms related to Appearance Intolerance and Functional Impairment. There was no association between ACEs and Drive for Size symptoms. Participants who experienced five or more ACEs (16.1%), compared to 10.6% who experienced no ACEs, were at clinical risk for muscle dysmorphia (p = .018). Experiencing ACEs, particularly five or more, was significantly associated with muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, expanding prior research on eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. Social workers should consider screening for symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among adolescents and young adults who experience ACEs.