Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice
Published on: June 5, 2016
Mediating mechanisms in a program to reduce intentions to use anabolic steroids and improve exercise self-efficacy
D P MacKinnon1, L Goldberg, G N Clarke
1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Box 871104, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1104, USA. davidpm@asu.edu
Abstract:
This study investigated the mediating mechanisms responsible for the effects of a program designed to reduce intentions to use anabolic steroids, improve nutrition, and increase strength training self-efficacy. Fifteen of 31 high school football teams (N = 1,506 players at baseline) in Oregon and Washington were assigned to receive the intervention. The multicomponent program addressed the social influences promoting ergogenic drug use and engaging students in healthy nutrition and strength training alternative behaviors. Although the results differed across the three dependent variables, the program appeared to work by changing team norms. Unlike prevention of other drugs, changes in knowledge and perceived severity were mediators of program effects in this study.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Self-Regulation

