Psychosocial Factors Linked to Gym User Substance Intentions

A cross-sectional mixed-methods study published in BMC Psychology has examined the psychosocial factors associated with the intention to use performance-enhancing substances among recreational gym users in Germany. The research, conducted by René Paasch and Gunnar Mau, utilized theoretical frameworks from the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Health Belief Model to investigate how specific constructs relate to substance use intentions. By combining quantitative survey data with qualitative insights, the study provides a detailed view of the prevention needs within the recreational fitness community.

The findings indicate that social influences and perceived control are strongly associated with the intention to use such substances. The study included 772 recreational gym users, of whom 29.4% reported ever or current use of at least one of six assessed performance-enhancing substance categories. These categories included anabolic-androgenic steroids, growth hormone, image- and performance-enhancing drugs, and testosterone replacement therapy.

The researchers employed a mixed-methods design to capture both the statistical associations between psychosocial variables and the subjective preferences of gym users regarding prevention strategies. This approach allowed for an examination of the context in which these substances are considered and used, moving beyond simple prevalence rates to explore the underlying motivations and barriers. Quantitative analyses revealed that subjective norms and lower perceived behavioral control over avoiding performance-enhancing substances showed the strongest associations with higher use intentions.

This suggests that the social environment of the gym, including peer norms, is associated with individual intentions to use substances. Conversely, greater knowledge about the substances was associated with lower intentions to use them. However, higher risk acceptance, greater perceived benefits of use, and lower self-efficacy to resist the substances were all linked to higher intentions, highlighting the complex interplay between cognitive and social factors in this population.

None of the examined psychosocial variables were significantly associated with the actual indicator of ever or current use. The study emphasizes that these findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects, given the cross-sectional design. The qualitative component of the study comprised 542 open-ended responses regarding prevention preferences.

Participants emphasized the need for credible information sources that are tailored to the gym environment. There was a strong preference for peer-based support systems, indicating that interventions delivered by trusted peers within the fitness community may align with user preferences. The theoretical framework used in the study, combining the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Health Belief Model, was used to identify specific targets for intervention.

By integrating these models, the researchers were able to capture a picture of the psychosocial landscape surrounding performance-enhancing substance use. This theory-informed approach provides a foundation for developing targeted prevention strategies that address the specific needs and perceptions of recreational gym users. The study suggests that prevention development may consider social norms, perceived control over avoiding performance-enhancing substances, resistance self-efficacy, knowledge, and preferences for credible, context-sensitive information.

In conclusion, the study underscores the complexity of performance-enhancing substance use intentions among recreational gym users.

Subject of Research: Psychosocial correlates of performance-enhancing substance use intentions and prevention needs among recreational gym users

Article Title: Psychosocial correlates of performance-enhancing substance use intentions and prevention needs among recreational gym users: a theory-informed mixed-methods study

Article References: Paasch, R., & Mau, G. (2026). Psychosocial correlates of performance-enhancing substance use intentions and prevention needs among recreational gym users: a theory-informed mixed-methods study. BMC Psychology, 14(1), Article 1266. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-026-05476-4

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-05476-4

Keywords: performance-enhancing substances, recreational gym users, psychosocial factors, Theory of Planned Behavior, Health Belief Model, mixed-methods study, substance use intentions, prevention needs, cross-sectional study, Germany, Psychosocial, correlates