Childhood Sexual Abuse and Neglect as Predictors of Body Dysmorphic Symptoms among Gay Men

Authors

  • Ismawati Ismawati Department of Psychology Faculty of Psychology University of Muria Kudus, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9776-6265
  • Rr Dwi Astuti Muria Kudus University, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.8314872026

Keywords:

Body dysmorphic, child neglect, childhood trauma, gay men

Abstract

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is increasingly recognized as a significant mental health condition associated with body image dissatisfaction and psychological distress. However, empirical research examining the impact of adverse childhood experiences, particularly among sexual minority populations, remains limited. This study aimed to examine whether childhood sexual abuse and child neglect predict body dysmorphic symptoms among gay men. It was hypothesized that both forms of childhood trauma would significantly contribute to body dysmorphic symptoms. This study employed a quantitative correlational design involving 202 participants recruited through purposive sampling. Standardized psychological instruments were used to assess body dysmorphic symptoms, childhood sexual abuse, and child neglect. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that childhood sexual abuse was positively correlated with body dysmorphic symptoms (r = 0.185, p < 0.01), while child neglect showed a stronger correlation (r = 0.379, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis further demonstrated that both variables significantly predicted body dysmorphic symptoms (R = 0.460, p < 0.01), accounting for 21.2% of the variance. These findings emphasize the psychological impact of early adverse experiences on body image disturbances and highlight the importance of trauma-informed mental health interventions for sexual minority populations.

Author Biographies

Ismawati Ismawati, Department of Psychology Faculty of Psychology University of Muria Kudus

Dwi Ismawati, a student in the Faculty of Psychology at Muria Kudus University. The researcher is interested in phenomena related to LGBT issues within the context of clinical psychology. During the research was carried out under the mentorship and guidance of the supervising lecturer,

Rr Dwi Astuti, Muria Kudus University

Rr. Dwi Astuti, M.Psi, Psychologist. She is a clinical psychologist and researcher. She actively conducts research on sexual violence, LGBT issues, post-traumatic growth, and other topics in clinical psychology

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Published

2026-07-05

How to Cite

Ismawati, I., & Astuti, R. D. (2026). Childhood Sexual Abuse and Neglect as Predictors of Body Dysmorphic Symptoms among Gay Men. Journal of Psychological Perspective, 8(3), 163–172. https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.8314872026

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Original Research Articles

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