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

Abstract

<b>Background</b><br /> This study explored the direct experience of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use by young men, with an emphasis on how motivations progressed from adolescent initiation to more entrenched usage. <br /> <br /> <b>Participants and procedure</b><br /> Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals ranging in experience of AAS use, from novice to experienced users.<br /> <br /> <b>Results</b><br /> The results indicated that the young adult men progressed through a clear transition whereby their motives for using these substances changed from a mere desire to compete with other men to more internalised body image problems. <br /> <br /> <b>Conclusions</b><br /> The findings presented suggest a more complex relationship between AAS use and body image pathology than previously suggested.