Trivialized and Overlooked: A Qualitative Investigation of Men Recruited From an Internet-Based Forum for Short-Statured Individuals

Height frequently functions as a cue to the masculine status of men. Despite the socially prescribed ideal physique for men being tall, lean, and muscular, in the context of male body image research height remains underexplored relative to muscularity and body fat. We conducted a qualitative investigation of men's experiences of height dissatisfaction, drawing upon a sample of 15 men ranging in height from 154 cm to 172 cm (M = 164.80. SD = 5.53). recruited from an Internet-based support group for short-statured individuals. Data were analyzed by 2 independent raters, and in accordance with thematic analysis procedures. Two main themes were identified: (a) the belief that others view short men as inferior and (b) experience of height dissatisfaction. A total of nine subthemes, which reflect key features within the data. were organized beneath the two main themes. Findings demonstrate that the consequences of short stature experienced by participants extend beyond body dissatisfaction to interpersonal processes and functioning in social, professional, and romantic domains. We suggest that height dissatisfaction primarily arises due to negative attributions relating to interpersonal experiences and internalized pejorative social attitudes toward men of short stature. In conclusion. short stature is a significant and pervasive issue for some men that is often-and unjustly-trivialized and overlooked.