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  1. bookVolume 17 (2016): Issue 1 (March 2016)
Current Problems of Psychiatry's Cover Image
Current Problems of Psychiatry
Journal Details
License
Format
Journal
eISSN
2353-8627
First Published
30 Mar 2016
Publication timeframe
4 times per year
Languages
English
access type Open Access

Use of psychoactive substances, body image and characteristics of personality traits in bodybuilders

Beata Pawłowska
Zofia Zaręba
Emilia Potembska
Published Online: 08 Jun 2016
Page range: 9 - 16
Received: 01 Dec 2015
Accepted: 08 Feb 2016
Journal Details
License
Format
Journal
eISSN
2353-8627
First Published
30 Mar 2016
Publication timeframe
4 times per year
Languages
English
Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substances use as well as the characteristics of body image, self-image, narcissism and stress coping strategies in the group of male professional bodybuilders.

Material and method. The study comprised a group 30 male bodybuilders practising bodybuilding professionally for over 7 years and 30 men who did not practise any sport.

The following research methods were used in the study: Socio-demographic Questionnaire and Eating Disorders and Self-image Survey Questionnaire in Men designed by Pawłowska and Staniewicz, Coping with Stress Questionnaire by Janke, Erdmann, Boucsein, Narcissism Questionnaire by Deneke, Hilgenstock, Müller, Adjective Check List by Gough and Heilbrun in the authorised translation by Płużek.

Results. As compared to the control group, bodybuilders significantly more often use psychoactive agents and have a more negative body image and self-image and show intensified narcissism.

Conclusions: In comparison to the control group:

Significantly more bodybuilders use psychoactive agents: marijuana, amphetamine and ephedrine.

Bodybuilders are characterised by a significantly more negative body image related to the impression of having excessive fat tissue and not sufficient muscle tissue and intensified pursuing to obtain social acceptance.

Bodybuilders are characterised by a significantly more intensified need for dominance, aggression, competitiveness, breaking social rules, being rebellious, impulsive and confrontational.

Bodybuilders are characterised by significantly more intensified narcissistic traits.

Bodybuilders, while in a stressful situation, express compensatory conviction of having better than other people skills to cope with difficulties.

Keywords

  • bodybuilders
  • body image
  • personality
  • narcissism
  • coping with stress
  • drugs

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