title: Media exposure, mediated social comparison to idealized images of muscularity, and anabolic steroid use.
abstract: This study examined the association between anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use and dominant sociocultural factors, specifically media exposure to idealized images of male muscularity, and mediated social comparison trends among a sample of young Arab adults. The study found evidence that participants more exposed to content that promotes muscularity and those who idealize images of muscularity and perceive them as motivators for achieving muscularity are more likely to be AAS users. It also found that a significant percentage of participants used at least one kind of dietary supplement and that the level of AAS use among health club participants indicates it is a significant public health problem in Lebanon. The study suggests that dealing with this problem requires a unique approach, beyond the typical awareness of risks strategy, since some users were well aware of the risks yet continue to use AAS, and their motivations pertain more to body image and sexuality. A stronger approach that utilizes critical media literacy teaching that ingrains these issues into school and university curricula will have a more lasting impact.
authors: a Media Studies Program , American University of Beirut.
authors: Jad P
authors: JP
authors: Melki
authors: Eveline A
authors: EA
authors: Hitti
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Oghia
authors: Afif A
authors: AA
authors: Mufarrij
mesh_terms: D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018912:Arabs / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009042:Motivation; D053580:Muscle Strength; D019529:Sexuality; D012938:Social Perception; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents; D000728:Androgens