Reasoning and Rational for Usage or Abuse of Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids in Modern Bodybuilding

Authors

  • Kyle T Craven
  • Kelly Brooks

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12922/11

Keywords:

steroids, bodybuilding, disorders

Abstract

Bodybuilding athletes train their bodies to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible during competition. Bodybuilding is considered a recreational activity in which males and females strive for the same body look as competitors, but with no intention of being in an actual competition. The look that bodybuilders are trying to gain is known as the Mesomorphic body type or build. To gain these aesthetically pleasing bodies, competitors train to gain large amounts of symmetrical muscle mass and then diet for fat loss to gain definition and vascularity. There is a side of bodybuilding that is not spoken of willingly.  Steroid usage, especially at the competitive level, is a dangerous form of body manipulation. Androgenic-Anabolic steroids (AAS) are used to induce large amounts of muscle tissue growth with minimal adipose tissue gains. 

References

Blouin, A. & Golfield, G. (1995). Body image and steroid use in male bodybuilders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 18(2), 159-165.

Kanayama, G., Barry, S., Hudson, J., & Pope, H. (2006). Body image and attitudes toward male roles in anabolic-androgenic steroid users. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163, 697- 703.

Lantz, C., Rhea, D., & Cornelius, A. (2002). Muscle dysmorphia in elite-level power lifters and bodybuilders: A test of differences within a conceptual model. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 16, 649-655.

Olivardia, R., Pope, H., & Hudson, J. (2000). Muscle dysmorphia in male weightlifters: A case- control study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157, 1291-1296.

Olivardia, R., Pope, H., Borowiecki, J., & Cohane, G. (2004). Biceps and body image: The relationship between muscularity and self-esteem, depression, and eating disorder symptoms. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 5 (2), 112-120.

Olrich, T. (2009). Perceptions of benefits and losses associated with the use and discontinuance of anabolic-androgenic steroids among male bodybuilders. Journal of Personal and Interpersonal Loss, 4, 231-242.

Peters, M. & Phelps, L. (2001). Body image dissatisfaction and distortion, steroid use, and sex differences in college age bodybuilders. Psychology in the Schools, 38(3), 283-289.

Pope, H. et al. (2000). Body image perception among men in three countries. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157, 1297-1301.

Porcerelli, J. & Sandler, B. (1995). Narcissism and empathy in steroid users. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152, 1672-1674.

Rubinstein, G. (2003). Macho man: Narcissism, homophobia, agency, communion, and authoritarianism- a comparative study among Israeli bodybuilders and a control group. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 4(2), 100-110.

Published

2013-04-28

How to Cite

Craven, K. T., & Brooks, K. (2013). Reasoning and Rational for Usage or Abuse of Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids in Modern Bodybuilding. Journal of Sport and Human Performance, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.12922/11