Psychosocial correlates of performance-enhancing substance use intentions and prevention needs among recreational gym users: a theory-informed mixed-methods study
René Paasch, Gunnar Mau · 2026
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Description
René Paasch and Gunnar Mau report a 2026 study of why recreational gym users may turn to performance-enhancing substances. Such use is a public health worry in casual fitness settings, where gym culture and peer norms can shape choices. The authors set out to map the social and mental factors tied to plans to use these substances.
Their survey covered 772 gym users in Germany, and 29.4 percent said they had used at least one of six substance types. Peer norms and weak faith in one's power to stay away showed the strongest links to plans to use. More knowledge tied to lower plans, while seeing gains in the substances tied to higher plans. Answers from 542 users also set out what kind of prevention work they would welcome.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | René Paasch, Gunnar Mau |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2026 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 84 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |