The perception of muscle deficiency and perfectionism as a cause of exhaustion in bodybuilders

In this study, the relationship between sport-specific perfectionism tendencies and muscularity dissatisfaction perception as well as burnout levels among bodybuilding athletes was examined. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 384 athletes (203 men and 181 women) aged 18 and over, who regularly trained at various gyms across Turkey. The research was based on descriptive and relational survey models and employed a quantitative data collection method through questionnaires. The data collection instruments included the Personal Information Form, the Multidimensional Sport-Specific Perfectionism Scale, the Muscularity-Oriented Body Image Scale, and the Sport-Specific Burnout Scale.In the data analysis phase, the normality assumption was tested using skewness-kurtosis values and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. For data that met the assumption of normal distribution, independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA analyses were conducted. In cases where the ANOVA test revealed significant differences, group comparisons were further explored using the LSD post-hoc test. Relationships between the scales were assessed through Pearson correlation analysis.The findings revealed significant and positive relationships between sport-specific perfectionism, muscularity dissatisfaction, and burnout. Demographic variables such as educational level, duration of athletic experience, and use of performance-enhancing substances were found to have significant effects on these variables. In particular, individuals with a bachelor's degree exhibited higher levels of muscularity dissatisfaction and burnout compared to those with other educational backgrounds. In contrast, no significant differences were found based on weekly training duration, dieting habits, or use of supplements. The results demonstrate that there are statistically significant relationships between body image disturbance, perfectionism, and burnout within the field of sport psychology.