The difference between body cathexis scores in bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids and bodybuilders who do not use anabolic steroids.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if anabolic steroid use affected an individual's level of body cathexis (body satisfaction). The subjects of this study were members of Moffett's Gym in Lenexa, Kansas (N=40) ages 17-42, who had either competed in a bodybuilding contest in the previous 18 months or planned to compete in a bodybuilding contest in the next 18 months. Subjects were selected from an intact group of competitive bodybuilders who trained at the gym specified. Each subject was contacted by the researcher to complete a Body Cathexis Scale. The Body Cathexis Scale identified was D.B. Rogers Body Cathexis Scale form A (1977). Data was analyzed through the use of a One-Way Analysis of Variance to determine the difference in body cathexis levels between bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids and bodybuilders who do not use anabolic steriods, One-Way Analysis of Variance was used to determine the differences in body cathexis levels between gender and anabolic steroid use and the differences in body cathexis levels between gender and non-anabolic steroid use. All data was analyzed at the 12 < .05 level of significance. No significant difference was found in body cathexis levels between bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids and bodybuilders who do not use anabolic steroids. No significant difference in body cathexis levels was found between male bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids and female bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids. A significant difference was found between male bodybuilders who do not use anabolic steroids and female bodybuilders who not use anabolic steroids. No significant difference in body cathexis levels was found between male bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids and male bodybuilders who do not use anabolic steroids. A significant difference in body cathexis levels was found between female bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids and female bodybuilders who do not use anabolic steroids.