More Than Meets the Eye

Weight Lifting and Steroid Use in Men

Bibliographic Data

ID15414199
AuthorsAngela D Bardick (corresponding author), Gary Nixon (University of Lethbridge), Kerry B Bernes (University of Lethbridge)
Year2008
Volume8
Issue2
Pages208-227
Publication date2008-07-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1533-256X • E-ISSN: 1533-2578
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15332560802156984
OpenAlexW2015011040
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited26

This article reports on a qualitative study of men's motivations for and experiences with heavy weight lifting, dieting, and steroid use. Eight male research participants described their experiences with heavy weight lifting, dieting, and steroid use using a story format with a beginning, middle, and end. The 9 main themes were: (a) I am not good enough; (b) judging genetics; (c) spiral into obsession; (d) extreme commitment; (e) join the club; (f) no one understands me; (g) control; (h) it's all an optical illusion; and (i) desire to overcome the obsession. These themes suggested that men who attempt to achieve an ideal masculine body may (a) become engaged in a cycle of obsessive-compulsive exercise; (b) be dealing with a variety of cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social problems; and (c) attempt to overcome these problems by going to the gym rather than by seeking counseling. Implications for counseling are discussed, including prevention, intervention, and treatment

Club · Developmental psychology · Dieting · Intervention (counseling · Obesity · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Steroid use · Weight control · Weight loss · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology

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