Anabolic Steroid Use and Intimate Partner Violence Among Sexual Minority Men

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), in a relationship context, among men who have sex with men (MSM). The sample was collected online via Prolific.co and consisted of 491 MSM. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. While accounting for the influence of factors known to be linked to IPV (adverse childhood experiences and alcohol use), the use of AAS in a relationship context was uniquely linked to greater perpetration of IPV. AAS use was not uniquely linked to IPV victimization. Findings from this study contribute to literature on IPV among MSM by including a group-specific risk factor (AAS use) in modeling risk for IPV. Limitations, implications, and future directions for research are discussed.