A qualitative exploration of the motivations underlying anabolic-androgenic steroid use from adolescence into adulthood

Harris, Marc Ashley; Dünn, Michael J.; Alwyn, Tina

doi:10.5114/hpr.2016.61669

Cited by 16 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…This finding supports Kanayama et al (2006) suggestion that MD may be a symptom of AAS use. For these men, it appears that AAS had created body image pathology, and it is this pathology that perpetuates their AAS use (Harris, Dunn, and Alwyn, 2016), and not the secondary reinforcers expressed by those who spoke of the positive effects of AAS use. This finding has significant implications for understanding why some men find cessation difficult despite reaching their target performance and size and why others often relapse and return to AAS use after a period of abstinence (Kirkwood, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A qualitative study of the motivations for anabolic-androgenic steroid use: The role of muscle dysmorphia and self-esteem in long-term users

Greenway

Price

2018

Performance Enhancement & Health

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Background: The use of Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) among the non-competitive weightlifting community has increased considerably in the UK in recent years, presenting a public health issue. The motives behind use have received considerable attention, with motivations linked to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and more recently, muscle dysmorphia (MD). However, the causal roles of MD and self-esteem in AAS use remain unclear. Therefore, this paper examines the origins and changes to motivations in long-term users.Methods: A qualitative study recruited eight male weightlifters from a needle exchange programme in South Wales, UK. Participants were interviewed about their initial introduction to AAS and their motivations for initial and continued use. Results: The interview data confirmed the importance of the training community in providing advice and guidance on AAS. Those interviewed cited some motivations for use which included self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, MD, social acceptance, and age-related concerns. Implicit in these motivations was a psychological addiction to the positive effects following AAS use, which for some men, had led to psychological dependency and body image pathology. Conclusions: The changes in motivations described by the AAS users provide key insights into the complex nature of AAS use. For some men, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and MD precede AAS use, and for others, they are consequences of use. These findings have significant implications for future research and public health initiatives.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A qualitative study of the motivations for anabolic-androgenic steroid use: The role of muscle dysmorphia and self-esteem in long-term users

Greenway

Price

2018

Performance Enhancement & Health

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“…Recent qualitative research in the area has identified that young adult men progressed through a clear transition period whereby their motives for using AAS changed from an external desire to compete with other men within a competitive bodybuilding environment, to more internalised body image preoccupations (Harris, Dunn & Alwyn, 2016). This finding may imply an additional factor, Intrasexual competition, which may influence the decision to initiate AAS usage that has previously been overlooked.…”

Section: Intrasexual Competition and Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Usementioning

confidence: 99%

“…', to help eradicate the complications of participants who may be cycling AAS, or experiencing withdrawal. Recent qualitative research has highlight both to be common experiences of AAS users in this environment (Harris, Dunn & Alwyn, 2016).…”

Section: ) User Vs Non-usermentioning

confidence: 99%

Intrasexual competition as a potential influence on anabolic-androgenic steroid use initiation

2017

Self Cite

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An estimated 293,000 people living in the UK have used Anabolic-androgenic steroids.However, there is currently no intervention to reduce usage available in practice, or academic circulation throughout the UK. This study aimed to test a novel hypothesis that increased levels of intrasexual competition may play an important influential role in the use of AASs.Significantly higher levels of intrasexual competition were evident in users compared to nonusers but only in the novice group (0-2 years' experience). The research provides evidence for intrasexual competition potentially influencing AAS use but only during the initial stages of usage.

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“…Over-and underweight boys were four times more likely to use AAS than boys who perceived themselves as the right weight (Jampel et al 2016). Looking at initial and current motivations for use, Harris, Dunn, and Alwyn (2016) found that the initial external motivation of wanting to be more muscular led to an internal motivation of body image concerns. The authors concluded that continued AAS use could be linked to the development of body image disorders among young people.…”

Section: Table 1 Further Motivations For Usementioning

confidence: 96%

Social Work Implications of Anabolic–Androgenic Steroid Use, Particularly Among Young People: A Literature Review

Harvey¹,

Parrish²

2019

Practice

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Non-prescribed Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid (AAS) use has increased during recent years. Often used "recreationally" and for aesthetic purposes, AAS are easily purchased over the internet and informally from gym-using peers. Social workers have a responsibility to support service users, to identify and manage risks and AAS use raises some noteworthy challenges to social work practice. This literature review aims to identify AAS-related knowledge social workers might require and consider its implications for social work practice. Although some of the evidence is inconclusive, particularly in relation to causal relationships between AAS use and behavioural change or polysubstance use implications, there are consequences that could cause significant short and long-term harm to physical and/or psychological health to young people. Social workers should consider the possibility that a young person may be vulnerable to using AAS without being fully aware of the risks, as this could result in harm reduction and enhanced outcomes among this easily overlooked population. While rarely addressed in the existing social work literature, the risks associated with AAS usage, particularly in young people, necessitate more awareness and attention from social work practitioners particularly in today's image conscious society.

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A qualitative exploration of the motivations underlying anabolic-androgenic steroid use from adolescence into adulthood

Cited by 16 publications

References 23 publications

A qualitative study of the motivations for anabolic-androgenic steroid use: The role of muscle dysmorphia and self-esteem in long-term users

A qualitative study of the motivations for anabolic-androgenic steroid use: The role of muscle dysmorphia and self-esteem in long-term users

Intrasexual competition as a potential influence on anabolic-androgenic steroid use initiation

Social Work Implications of Anabolic–Androgenic Steroid Use, Particularly Among Young People: A Literature Review

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