Third, consistent with the tenets of the tripartite influence model, internalization of the mesomorphic ideal, appearance comparison, muscularity dissatisfaction, and body fat dissatisfaction were key mediators in the model, fully or partially connecting all
five sources of social influence to gaymen’s body image and/or body change behaviors. Internalization of the mesomorphic ideal linked involvement in the gay community and muscularity pressures from partners and media to both muscularity dissatisfaction and body fat
dissatisfaction. Appearance comparison connected gay community involvement, media pressure to be lean, and family pressure to be muscular to muscularity dissatisfaction. Dissatisfaction with muscularity linked muscularity pressures from family, internalization of the mesomorphic ideal, and appearance comparison to engagement in muscularity enhancement behaviors. Dissatisfaction with body fat connected internalization of the mesomorphic ideal as well as friend and media pressures to be lean to disordered eating behaviors.