Anabolic steroid use and body image psychopathology in men: delineating between appearance- versus performance-driven motivations

Stuart B. Murray*, Scott Griffiths, Jonathan M. Mond, Joseph Kean, Aaron J. Blashill

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    78 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use has been robustly associated with negative body image, and eating- and muscularity-oriented psychopathology. However, with AAS being increasingly utilized for both appearance and athletic performance-related purposes, we investigated whether comorbid body image psychopathology varies as a function of motivation for usage. Method: Self-reported motivation for current and initial AAS use was recorded amongst 122 AAS using males, alongside measures of current disordered eating and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology. Results: Those reporting AAS for appearance purposes reported greater overall eating disorder psychopathology, F(2, 118)=7.45, p=0.001, ηp 2=0.11, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology, F(2, 118)=7.22, p< 0.001, ηp2 =0.11, than those using AAS primarily for performance purposes. Additionally, greater dietary restraint, F(2, 116)=3.61, p=0.030, ηp2 =0.06, functional impairment, F(2, 118)=3.26, p=0.042, ηp2=0.05, and drive for size, F(2, 118)=10.76, p<0.001, ηp2=0.15, was demonstrated in those using ASS for appearance purposes. Discussion: Motivation for AAS use may be important in accounting for differential profiles of body image psychopathology amongst users. Men whose AAS use is driven primarily by appearance-related concerns may be a particularly dysfunctional subgroup.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)198-202
    Number of pages5
    JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence
    Volume165
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2016

    Keywords

    • anabolic androgenic steroids
    • eating disorders
    • muscle dysmorphia
    • body image

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