Fragile femininity, embodiment, and self-managing harm: an interpretative phenomenological study exploring the lived experience of females who use anabolic-androgenic steroids. Issue 3 (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ainsworth, Neha; N Thrower, Sam; Petróczi, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Qualitative research in sport, exercise & health. Volume 14:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 363
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: Interpretative phenomenological analysis -- harm reduction -- image- and performance-enhancing drugs -- bodybuilding -- steroids; Sports sciences -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 613.71
• DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2021.1941210
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2159-676X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Little research exists on the lived experiences of female anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use from a harm reduction perspective. This study aims to address this gap and explore the experiences, perceptions, and perspectives of AAS-using females through their journeys of starting, using, and coming off AAS to facilitate appropriate public health policies. Four females, recruited using opportunistic purposive sampling, participated in semi-structured interviews. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), four superordinate themes clarify the experiences and narratives detailed by the participants: preparation and anxiety (before using AAS); deviation from feminine identity (during AAS use); turbulence of cessation (end of AAS use); and rediscovering femininity (post-AAS cessation reflections). The results show how harm arising from AAS use is characterised by the development of virilising effects and the complex framing of their feminine identity, providing a clearer image of how harm is defined and managed by this population. While participants anticipated adverse side effects, this did not prevent negative emotions arising from their development. Our results also suggest that gender identity in this unique population is inseparable but not irreconcilable with the changing body. Illuminating this specific facet of AAS use can inform holistic, meaningful, and more inclusive harm reduction measures by adding experiential information from this unique but understudied and hard-to-reach group.