Research Article

The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study

Volume: 27 Number: 2 August 31, 2025
TR EN

The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Contrary to common assumptions, bodybuilders who abstain from anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) may exhibit higher levels of narcissism and self-esteem compared to AAS users. This study aimed to compare these psychological traits between AAS users and non-users to construct a distinct psychometric profile. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted across 16 gyms in Turkey. Data were collected from 25 AAS users and 41 non-users using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI-16) and the Two-Dimensional Self-Esteem Scale (self-liking/self-competence). Logistic regression analyzed the predictive effects of narcissism and self-esteem on AAS use. Results: Non-users scored significantly higher on narcissism (OR = 1.48), global self-esteem (OR = 1.11), self-competence (OR = 1.18), and self-liking (OR = 1.21) than users. These findings suggest that natural training may reinforce self-enhancement tendencies, reducing reliance on AAS. Conclusion: Bodybuilders who refrain from AAS display stronger narcissistic traits and elevated self-esteem, including its sub-dimensions. This paradoxical profile highlights the potential psychological benefits of natural training, challenging stereotypes about AAS users.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Funding information: The authors of this paper received no financial support for research and / or authorship of this article.

Ethical Statement

Institutional Review Board Statement: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Selcuk University research Ethics Committee for studies involving humans.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physical Activity and Health

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 31, 2025

Submission Date

May 20, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 11, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 27 Number: 2

APA
Şanal Karahan, F., Taşkın, M., & Can, M. (2025). The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise, 27(2), 290-298. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.1703192
AMA
1.Şanal Karahan F, Taşkın M, Can M. The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study. Turk J Sport Exe. 2025;27(2):290-298. doi:10.15314/tsed.1703192
Chicago
Şanal Karahan, Faika, Mine Taşkın, and Mustafa Can. 2025. “The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise 27 (2): 290-98. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.1703192.
EndNote
Şanal Karahan F, Taşkın M, Can M (August 1, 2025) The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise 27 2 290–298.
IEEE
[1]F. Şanal Karahan, M. Taşkın, and M. Can, “The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study”, Turk J Sport Exe, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 290–298, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.15314/tsed.1703192.
ISNAD
Şanal Karahan, Faika - Taşkın, Mine - Can, Mustafa. “The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise 27/2 (August 1, 2025): 290-298. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.1703192.
JAMA
1.Şanal Karahan F, Taşkın M, Can M. The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study. Turk J Sport Exe. 2025;27:290–298.
MLA
Şanal Karahan, Faika, et al. “The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise, vol. 27, no. 2, Aug. 2025, pp. 290-8, doi:10.15314/tsed.1703192.
Vancouver
1.Faika Şanal Karahan, Mine Taşkın, Mustafa Can. The Profiles of Narcissism and Self-Esteem Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users in the Sport of Bodybuilding: A Cross-Sectional Study. Turk J Sport Exe. 2025 Aug. 1;27(2):290-8. doi:10.15314/tsed.1703192

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