Usage of anabolic steroids for cosmetic reasons

Zenobia L.

Order the writing of a tailor-made Social, moral & civic education Term papers

Free quote online

Thesis Format .doc

Usage of anabolic steroids for cosmetic reasons

Download

Read an extract

Reader
Abstract
Contents
Extract

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine if anabolic steroids are used for cosmetic reasons. A thorough survey was administered to 144 willing participants. Participants were asked about their steroid use, their reasons for use, and what attracted them to androgenic anabolic steroids. The findings indicated that most steroids users are unhappy with their bodies despite regular workouts and trips to the gym. Many participants were concerned about improving the look of their bodies. Strength and self-confidence were other popular reasons, but only 16 participants used steroids for athletic reasons. The findings supported the hypothesis that steroids are a popular and easy way to enhance looks and self-esteem.

For many Americans, steroids have become an easy road to achieving a superhuman body. Over the past few decades, many athletes who are looking for a quick way to strengthen their bodies and improve their game have used steroids. But recently steroids have been spotted outside the athletic community. Everyone from high-school boys to accomplished businessmen has used steroids to enhance their bodies and athletic performances. The importance of studying these drugs has become increasingly apparent as steroids become more popular; but research on steroids is limited and studies are few and far between.

Introduction
Definition of terms
Study focusing on steroid use among male athletes
Risk in usage of steroid
The kind of people use steriods
Analysis of the article 'Behind the Bulk'
Dr. Pope's ideas
Re-examining Goldfield's 2006 study
Increasing popularity of steroids in the last two decades
Research and analysis
1. Participants
2. Procedures
3. Instrument
4. Ethical principles
5. Data collection methods
6. Anonymous survey
7. Validity
8. Reliability
Threats to validity of collected data
Data analysis
Discussion of the findings
1. Hypotheses of the proposal
2. Statistical results
3. Discussion of statistical results
Chart showing the results to the cosmetic related question
Conclusion and recommendations
References
Survey questions

Get this table of contents for free after login.

Extract

[...] Part of the researcher's survey asked questions about reasons for AAS use; 62% of the participants stated that they started using steroids to become stronger or to achieve a great looking body fast. Another 60% of the participants indicated that a good-looking body helps them feel more self- confident. When asked how important a good-looking body is 87% of those surveyed marked “very important” or important”. Similar results were calculated when participants were asked about strength: 92% admitted that physical strength as either “very important” or important”. [...]

[...] Mood Swings "Roid Roge") One of the following: Feminizing effects in males (growth of breast tissue), Shrunken testicles, Reduced sperm count, Impotence, Infertility One of the following: Liver Damage, Kidney damage One of the following: Male attributes in females (deepening of voice, excessive hair growth), Enlarged clitoris, Menstrual cycle stops Mild symtons like acne or insomnia Do you feel that the steroids make you more violent? No Only when I drink alcohol or take other drugs (i.e narcotics) Yes What made you start using steroids? [...]

[...] Chapter II: Review of the Related Research Introduction The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not non-athletic people use steroids for cosmetic or self-image reasons. The limited research on steroids seems to support this thesis. Currently the studies on steroids have focused on who uses steroids and why. Additionally, studies have been done on the reasons behind steroid use that significantly support both the independent and dependent variables in this study. Prior research, as well as this study shows that people do use steroids for cosmetic reasons. [...]

[...] After surveying a mix of male athletes, Blouin found that many bodybuilders were using steroids for cosmetic reasons. Bodybuilders used steroids more than runners and martial artists. Competitive bodybuilders used steroids more than recreational bodybuilders. Bodybuilders in general picked “improve looks” and “increased size needed for competitive sports” as reasons for using AAS Many bodybuilders were perfectionist or showed signs of low self-esteem. In the end the Blouin concluded that many bodybuilders (and athletes in general) are involved in risky habits, like binge eating and AAS use to obtain a leaner, stronger, and better looking bpdu. [...]

[...] For instance, there were a relatively small number of participants in this study. The researcher is unable to control who participates in the survey and there is no way of gauging the truth of the answers received. The data collection was done by the researcher alone, which makes the study more vulnerable to mistakes. Since all of these factors must be considered, it is safe to assume that the results of this study may not apply to all situations. However, the researcher believes that this survey is a good example of steroid use in the tri-state area at the very least. [...]

doc