Thirty seven competitive and non-competitive bodybuilders, along with twenty weight-training comparison subjects, were evaluated with respect to their personality characteristics, sex-role identity, and degree of body satisfaction. Several hypotheses were generated which dealt with issues raised in the psychoanalytic literature, along with others which concerned previous studies of bodybuilders and weightlifters. With the exception of age, no significant differences between the groups were discovered. Moreover, the findings indicated that the men evaluated in the current research were indistinguishable from males in the general population. Previous research that supported the concept of unique personality characteristics among bodybuilders was critically reviewed. The results suggest that a number of negative personality characteristics have been attributed to bodybuilders which has undoubtedly fostered a pejorative stereotype. The psychoanalytic assertion that bodybuilding represents a masculine protest against an over-identification with a female role and feelings of inadequacy was unsupported. The present investigation suggests that in general, competitive and non-competitive bodybuilders, as well as men who incorporate weight-training into an exercise routine, demonstrate no remarkable or pathological personality characteristics. Neither do they differ significantly from the average population in terms of sex-role identification or the degree to which they are satisfied with their bodies. In fact, no evidence was discovered to negate the assumption that in general, bodybuilding indeed represents a form of expression of a normal personality.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 173-180). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.A.)--Bowling Green State University, 2009. / Document formatted into pages; contains xi, 122 p. Includes bibliographical references.

A comprehensive analysis of precompetition dietary beliefs and behaviors of competitive bodybuilders has yet to be documented in the literature. The purposes of this study were (a) to quantify and document types of supplements competitive male and female bodybuilders consume, (b) to document how much money they spend on them each month, (c) to describe what dietary modifications and behaviors they follow in preparation for a contest and (d) to describe their nutrition beliefs associated with these habits. Three hundred and nine competitive male and female bodybuilders completed questionnaires regarding their precompetition dietary practices. It was found that bodybuilders consume a wide variety of supplements and use a multitude of dietary training practices which vary depending on the training phase. A large percentage of bodybuilders agreed with statements on supplement use and training practices that are unsubstantiated by scientific research.

Thesis (M.s.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-135). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 57-62). Also available via the Internet.

Master of Science

Many bodybuilders attempt to lose large amounts of weight in short periods of time through the use of low energy diets. Research suggests that consumption of a low energy, low carbohydrate diet may negatively affect mood states. Further research suggests that carbohydrate consumption can positively affect mood states. This study evaluated two main ideas: (1) does the consumption of a carbohydrate supplement affect mood states during weight training bouts and (2) does carbohydrate supplementation affect perception of effort of a weight training bout. Male weightlifters (N=17) consumed a low energy diet for four days (21 kcal/kg body weight). On the fifth day, the weightlifters consumed either a carbohydrate beverage ( "Sports Shot" at 1.15 gm CHO/kg bw) or a placebo beverage ( "Challenge" at 1.06 gm protein/kg bw) before testing was started. The subjects filled out a Profile of Mood states (POMS) questionnaire fifteen minutes prior to and immediately after a bench press exercise test. The flat bench press exercise test consisted of lifting 7 sets of decreasing repetitions at 60% of their maximum lift with the final set continuing until volitional fatigue. Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were recorded between each set. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA. The carbohydrate group had a significantly (p<0.05) lower total POMS score compared with the placebo and control groups (30±5.84 vs. 46.6±5.84 and 42.3±5.46). There were no differences in RPE between groups. These results suggest that carbohydrate ingestion 15 minutes prior to lifting weights decreases the total mood disturbance that may be experienced while lifting on a low-calorie diet. / M.S.

The present study described the daily moods of male bodybuilders who self-administered large doses of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AS) through a full cycle of steroid use. Male bodybuilders (N = 13) who had been self-administering AS for 2.5 to 12 years served as subjects and participated in a 14 to 16 week experience sampling procedure wherein brief mood questionnaires were filled out twice daily. / Findings revealed that 11 of the 13 subjects experienced self-reported mood changes in association with AS use. In particular, 2 subjects (subjects 4 & 11) experienced quite dramatic changes in mood. It is concluded that there is much variability with regards to the psychological effects that humans may display in association with AS use. / Data are discussed in terms of the effects that AS use may have on mental health.

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