Use of psychoactive substances, body image and characteristics of personality traits in bodybuilders

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substances use as well as the characteristics of body image, self-image, narcissism and stress coping strategies in the group of male professional bodybuilders.Material and method. The study comprised a group 30 male bodybuilders practising bodybuilding professionally for over 7 years and 30 men who did not practise any sport.The following research methods were used in the study: Socio-demographic Questionnaire and Eating Disorders and Self-image Survey Questionnaire in Men designed by Pawłowska and Staniewicz, Coping with Stress Questionnaire by Janke, Erdmann, Boucsein, Narcissism Questionnaire by Deneke, Hilgenstock, Müller, Adjective Check List by Gough and Heilbrun in the authorised translation by Płużek.Results. As compared to the control group, bodybuilders significantly more often use psychoactive agents and have a more negative body image and self-image and show intensified narcissism.Conclusions: In comparison to the control group: Significantly more bodybuilders use psychoactive agents: marijuana, amphetamine and ephedrine.Bodybuilders are characterised by a significantly more negative body image related to the impression of having excessive fat tissue and not sufficient muscle tissue and intensified pursuing to obtain social acceptance.Bodybuilders are characterised by a significantly more intensified need for dominance, aggression, competitiveness, breaking social rules, being rebellious, impulsive and confrontational.Bodybuilders are characterised by significantly more intensified narcissistic traits.Bodybuilders, while in a stressful situation, express compensatory conviction of having better than other people skills to cope with difficulties.

One size does not fit all: Exploring how the five‐factor model facets predict disordered eating behaviours among adolescent and young adult males and females

“…The results from this study indicate a profile of outwardly sociable and confident, yet emotionally distant associated with muscle building in males. The current results may reflect a normative variation of profiles identified in body building samples, specifically a desire for social acceptance yet engaging in behaviours that may be counter to this goal such as dominance, aggression and criticism (Hurst et al, 2000;Pawłowska et al, 2016). There was no relationship between body dissatisfaction and muscle building among males, which is inconsistent with past research (Hurst et al, 2000;Pawłowska et al, 2016).…”

“…The current results may reflect a normative variation of profiles identified in body building samples, specifically a desire for social acceptance yet engaging in behaviours that may be counter to this goal such as dominance, aggression and criticism (Hurst et al, 2000;Pawłowska et al, 2016). There was no relationship between body dissatisfaction and muscle building among males, which is inconsistent with past research (Hurst et al, 2000;Pawłowska et al, 2016). As men are more likely to desire a muscular physique rather than a lean body (Griffiths et al, 2018), one explanation may be that the Body Dissatisfaction subscale on the EPSI does not directly measure dissatisfaction with areas of focus for body building (i.e.…”

Towards a Sustainable Nutrition Paradigm in Physique Sport: A Narrative Review

“…Due to these requirements, bodybuilders sometimes are strict in the pursuit of their goals which, although physically rewarding, can lead to an adverse relationship with food, training, and body image. Many scientists [18,19,20] are interested in the psychological profile of bodybuilders, by primarily comparing the profile of a body builder to the profile of other athletes or to the general population.…”

“…For example, bodybuilders (especially those who use anabolic steroids) reported high perfectionism and feelings of ineffectiveness, but low self-esteem and interoceptive awareness [32]. Pawłowska et al [20] observed that bodybuilders in their study had greater needs for dominance, higher impulsiveness, aggression, and competitiveness, but lower tolerance for frustration relative to a control group of non-exercising men. Moreover, in research by Bjørnestad et al [33] competitive bodybuilders experienced higher social isolation and perceived negative stereotyping from others regarding their lifestyle.…”

Help-Seeking Beliefs Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users Experiencing Side Effects: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

“…Such internal biases may have also facilitated a greater risk of underground forms of treatment, leaving users vulnerable to further harm (e.g., users reported taking 'stacks' of substances to counteract side effects) (Goldman, Pope & Bhasin, 2018). From a personality-focused perspective, the sentiments expressed by all but one of the participants (P6) regarding their superior knowledge of AAS may also suggest a degree of narcissism among recreational appearance-focused athletes, as is the case in professional bodybuilders (Pawłowska, Zaręba, & Potembska, 2016).…”