7 Signs of an Adonis Complex
With So Many People Learning More About Who They Are, a Number of "Complex" Conditions and Syndromes Have Been Identified and People Who Exhibit the "Symptoms"...
With so many people learning more about who they are, a number of "complex" conditions and syndromes have been identified and people who exhibit the "symptoms" labeled. There are those who think they are immune to the dangers of the world, people who are pretty sure they are superior to everyone else, and those who think it’s their job to save the world.
Then, there are individuals who display less confident attributes like an inferiority complex, those who believe they are solely responsible for everything that goes wrong, and people who believe they are an innocent Cinderella waiting for Prince Charming to fix their woes.
But the Adonis complex is an alarming crisis of male body obsession that is rarely discussed.
What is an Adonis complex?
An Adonis complex is a psychological condition that can cause boys and men to develop body image problems and obsess over achieving physical perfection. It can result in steroid abuse, eating disorders, excessive muscle building, and even influence them to get unnecessary cosmetic surgery.
“Adonis” was a God from Greek mythology, depicted as the epitome of masculine beauty. He was supposed to have the most exceptional male physique, something for other men to marvel at and strive for. According to legend, he was so perfect that he got the love and attention of the queen of all gods, Aphrodite.
Striking men of all ages, the Adonis complex is an unhealthy obsession with the male body image that can manifest as manageable dissatisfaction, or turn into something as serious as anorexia nervosa, body dysmorphic disorder, or bulimia. It can also result in low self-esteem, mental health issues, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Termed "muscle dysmorphia," authors of “The Adonis Complex: The Secret Crises of Male Body Obsession” — Harrison Pope, Katharine A. Phillips, and Roberto Olivardia — the condition can easily cause anyone afflicted to spiral downhill, dramatically impacting every aspect of their life. No matter how the world sees them, people with the complex can, in their opinion, never be enough.
What causes someone to have an Adonis complex?
The Adonis complex is typically driven by the pressures society places on men to be the picture of perfection, the influence of media, and the overwhelming desire to be socially validated. It proves that men, like women, have been targeted aggressively in creating doubt and insecurity about their bodies.
Over the past couple of decades, the American Society of Plastic Surgery has said that cosmetic procedures on men has increased by over 28% and the three top categories are facial surgery, male breast reduction, and liposuction. Wanting to keep pace with the most fit men, many are willing to do whatever it takes to have a flawless body.
It is believed that a big percentage of those men who are "fitness-minded" are afflicted with Adonis complex. They receive unrealistic messages telling them that "bigger is better" when it comes to muscle mass.
But no matter how much body fat they cut and muscle they build, they will never be satisfied with their image and might even see themselves as physically inadequate.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
