The Role of Exercise on Masculinity, Body Image, and Quality of Life in Men with Prostate Cancer. A Mixed Methods Study.

Abstract

Early research supports exercise in its role to improve masculinity and body image changes that may result from treatment; however, studies to date have largely examined limited treatment groups (i.e., those receiving androgen deprivation therapy) and did not include men from across the exercise spectrum. Following a systematic review of the literature, we implemented a mixed methodology approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative information surrounding men’s sense of masculinity, body image and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors with analysis based on degree of exercise participation. Participants included prostate cancer patients undergoing more diverse treatment protocols and aimed to include men from across the exercise spectrum, from active to inactive. Males completed a set of psychosocial surveys with a sub-selection of men from both groups participating in semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with the primary author. Aerobically active men demonstrated higher masculinity, and quality of life scores regardless of prior androgen deprivation treatment. Emergent themes relating to masculinity and exercise could be classified based upon the primary coping mechanisms of competition, control, rationalization, social connectedness, acceptance, optimism, and withdrawal. The results of these studies support the benefit of exercise on masculinity and quality of life regardless of their prior treatment; however, there did appear to be differences in the coping strategies and motivational factors behind the coping strategies based on exercise level. By understanding the relative value men place on masculinity and body image based on their activity level and the degree to which men feel exercise influences these traits, clinician-researchers may be able to individualize exercise programming and provide education to increase exercise participation amongst both groups.