No Pain, No Gain: High-Risk Behaviors of the Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Communities

Indianapolis, IN

When asked to describe the sport of bodybuilding, what may initially come to mind are figures of seemingly mythic proportion, such as the industry’s legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, what may accompany those mental images are notions of the prevalence of bodybuilders’ usage of anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing substances to attain their unusual musculature. Substantial sociological and psychological research has found evidence to support the claim that when compared to the general population, bodybuilders and powerlifters have quantifiably higher scored levels of narcissism and perfectionism, and significantly lower levels of self-esteem. In addition, current research on eating disorders has shown that subjects with a combination of low self-esteem and extreme levels of narcissism and perfectionism are more likely to engage in high-risk compensatory behaviors in pursuit of their ideal body type. The aim of this study was to document the existence of various body change behaviors of amateur and competitive bodybuilders and powerlifters, through qualitative analysis of public internet forum postings. The study uses multiple sociological lenses to consider how these online communities support and motivate their members to ignore the boundaries of safety and legality, by perpetuating verbiage that fosters an environment of rationalization and normalcy for body change behaviors. Discovering motivational factors that influence high-risk behaviors in bodybuilding and powerlifting is integral for expanding professional awareness of the unique needs of the participants of these sports, in order to provide improved physical and mental health support in the future.