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Narcissism and empathy in steroid users
1Department of Psychiatry, Detroit Psychiatric Institute, MI 48202, USA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Anabolic steroid users among weightlifters and bodybuilders show higher narcissism and lower empathy. Further research is needed to understand if these narcissistic traits lead to steroid use or result from it.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sports Medicine
- Personality Disorders
Background:
- Anabolic steroid use is prevalent in strength sports.
- Understanding the psychological profile of users is crucial for intervention.
- Previous research has not fully explored the link between narcissism, empathy, and steroid use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological differences between anabolic steroid users and non-users in weightlifters and bodybuilders.
- To construct a preliminary psychological profile of anabolic steroid users.
- To examine the relationship between anabolic steroid use, narcissism, and empathy.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 16 anabolic steroid users and 20 non-users (weightlifters and bodybuilders).
- Assessment of narcissism using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory.
- Evaluation of empathy through clinical ratings.
Main Results:
- Anabolic steroid users exhibited significantly higher scores on pathological narcissism.
- Steroid users demonstrated significantly lower scores on clinical ratings of empathy.
- A clear correlation was found between anabolic steroid use and narcissistic personality traits.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest a link between anabolic steroid use and narcissistic personality traits.
- The study highlights the need for further investigation into the causal relationship.
- Future research should explore whether narcissistic traits precede or follow anabolic steroid initiation.