Social physique anxiety, body esteem, and social anxiety in bodybuilders and self-reported anabolic steroid users

Abstract

Social physique anxiety, upper body esteem, social anxiety, and body dissatisfaction were examined among self-reported anabolic steroid (AS)-using bodybuilders, non-using bodybuilders, athletically active exercisers, and non-exercising individuals. Results indicate that: 1. (a) the AS-using bodybuilder group had significantly lower levels of social physique anxiety than non-user groups. 2. (b) AS-using bodybuilders have significantly higher upper body strength ratings than do non-users (non-using bodybuilders, athletically active exercisers, and non-exercisers) 3. (c) no differences among groups on a measure of social anxiety. Implications for further research and intervention are discussed in terms of the differences between anabolic steroids and other substances of abuse.