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Published on: March 5, 2020
Anabolic Steroid Use and Intimate Partner Violence Among Sexual Minority Men
Mike C Parent1, Nicole L Johnson2
1University of Texas at Austin, USA.
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), in a relationship context, among men who have sex with men (MSM). The sample was collected online via Prolific.co and consisted of 491 MSM. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. While accounting for the influence of factors known to be linked to IPV (adverse childhood experiences and alcohol use), the use of AAS in a relationship context was uniquely linked to greater perpetration of IPV. AAS use was not uniquely linked to IPV victimization. Findings from this study contribute to literature on IPV among MSM by including a group-specific risk factor (AAS use) in modeling risk for IPV. Limitations, implications, and future directions for research are discussed.
Insights
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use in relationships is linked to increased intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among men who have sex with men (MSM). AAS use did not correlate with IPV victimization in this study.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Public Health
- Men's Health
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue.
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience unique challenges and risk factors related to IPV.
- The role of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in IPV perpetration among MSM is under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between AAS use and IPV perpetration and victimization within a relationship context among MSM.
- To identify AAS use as a potential group-specific risk factor for IPV among MSM.
- To contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of IPV etiology in MSM populations.
Main Methods:
- Online survey data collected from 491 MSM via Prolific.co.
- Structural equation modeling (SEM) used for data analysis.
- Controlled for known IPV correlates: adverse childhood experiences and alcohol use.
Main Results:
- AAS use in a relationship context was uniquely associated with increased perpetration of IPV.
- AAS use was not uniquely associated with IPV victimization.
- Adverse childhood experiences and alcohol use also remained significant predictors of IPV.
Conclusions:
- AAS use represents a specific risk factor for intimate partner violence perpetration among MSM.
- Interventions addressing IPV in MSM should consider the role of AAS use.
- Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms linking AAS use and IPV perpetration.
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