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

BACKGROUND 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. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals ranging in experience of AAS use, from novice to experienced users. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS The findings presented suggest a more complex relationship between AAS use and body image pathology than previously suggested.