Bullying Victimization As A Predictor Of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse In A Nationally Representative Sample Of Adolescent Males

Due to their potential for negative physical, psychological, and social effects, both anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse and bullying victimization are significant public health concerns confronting U.S. adolescent males. Previous research examining the link between bullying victimization and AAS abuse has been limited and most studies have had insufficient sample sizes to detect low base rate risks such as AAS abuse. The current study examined whether 1) bullying victimization on school property or 2) electronic bullying victimization were associated with increased risk of AAS misuse in adolescent males. Our study utilized a nationally representative sample drawn from the CDC's 2015 National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBS). Participants included 7,749 adolescent males in 9th-12th grade in U.S. public and private schools. Participants who reported victimization were found to be at higher risk of misusing steroids. This is the first study with a nationally representative sample large enough to establish a link between a history of having been bullied and misuse of AAS. These results suggest the need for the development and evaluation of interventions to prevent bullying and to prevent steroid abuse. Future research should further investigate the link between bullying or teasing victimization, specifically about physical appearance, and AAS abuse.