Exploring the "inevitability" of the relationship between anabolic-androgenic steroid use and aggression in human males

A growing body of literature associates anabolic-androgenic steroids (AS) w ith psychological and behavioral disturbance. Studies report marked increas es in aggression, and authors have suggested a causal relationship with the pharmaco logical properties of AS. There are, however, contradictions, met hodological shortcomings, and variability within the literature that indica te a need to reevaluate the interpretation of these findings. After conside ring limitations in the pharmacological-oriented approach when compared to wider theory, a previously unconsidered social-psychological literature bas e regarding this problem is examined. The paper explores the role of social mediation in the relationship between AS use and aggression, demonstrating how psychosocial factors may bring about the aggressive behavior. Although these alternatives aim to place the nature of effects firmly back in the f ield of psychological explanation, it is pro posed that the true nature of the effects will only become evident by adopting a complex biopsychosocial approach to the study of this problem.