Risk factors for anabolic steroid use in college students and the role of expectancy.
Anabolic steroids are now recognized as a widespread addictive and dangerous substance, no longer exclusively used as an aid to muscle size and strength in world-class athletes. Psychologists have neglected prevention programs for steroid abuse, in part because of a lack of knowledge of the precipitants of abuse. This study examined demographics, personality factors, and steroid expectancies as risk factors for future steroid use. Older subjects, extraversion, global-positive expectancies for steroid use, and identification with peers who advocated health-risk behaviors predicted higher steroid use, whereas specific social-behavioral negative expectancies for steroid use significantly predicted lowered risk of steroid use. These findings are discussed in the context of past research, and implications for preventive intervention are described.
Lovstakken
K
K
Norwegian Police College.
Peterson
L
L
Homer
A L
AL
D000328:Adult; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014495:Universities
D045930:Anabolic Agents