Reported Use of Anabolic Steroids and Ergogenic Substances in Gym/Health Club Settings: Associations with Psychosocial and Exercise Behavior Factors

The industry of ergogenic supplements is increasing rapidly (Cole et al., 2003). Supplements may constitute an important aid for some vigourous exercise routines, but they may also be used as a hypothetical mean to achieve increases in muscular mass. This supposed effect of suplements can lead to its use by individuals who have high levels of drive for muscularity, a condition that is known to be associated with muscular dismorphy (or as it has been called recently vigorexia, Pope et al., 1997). Another psychological factor which can influence supplement consumption is exercise dependence, a borderline problem, as most studies present a prevalence of less than 10% in regular exercisers (Palmeira & Matos, 2006). Symptoms like tolerance or continuity could lead to the use of ergogenic aids to maintain the exercise levels. Also of interest for the understanding of the use of suplements are exercise frequency, volume and intensity, which could explain the ratesof consumption on a more physicological level.

Desesperança e agressividade na adolescência e qualidade de vinculação aos pais

RESUMO: As relações que constituímos com aqueles que de mais perto nos rodeiam são uma das partes, senão a parte mais relevante da nossa vida (Canavarro, 1999). Assim, a teoria da vinculação coloca grande ênfase na natureza da relação de vinculação (Bowlby, 1979). No primeiro capítulo é elucidado o modelo de desenvolvimento da vinculação de Bowlby (1969/1982; 1988) e de Ainsworth e colaboradores (1978). No segundo capítulo são explicadas as mudanças que ocorrem na fase da adolescência. No terceiro capítulo, é destacado o padrão comportamental agressivo do adolescente, o qual se pode traduzir numa vinculação insegura (Almeida, 2000). Estas situações podem levar o sujeito a apresentar comportamentos de desesperança, conceito este que irá ser desenvolvido no quarto capítulo. Sendo o principal objectivo da investigação estudar em que medida a qualidade de vinculação aos pais e a estrutura familiar estão relacionadas com a desesperança e a agressividade nos adolescentes, conclui-se que o adolescente com uma história de vinculação insegura apresenta menos confiança, maior alienação e, consequentemente, maior desamparo e desesperança (Bowlby, 1969/1982, 1973; Bretherton & Waters, 1985). Relativamente à estrutura familiar, o estudo reporta que a coesão e a adaptabilidade estão correlacionadas positivamente com a confiança e negativamente com a alienação. ABSTRACT: The relationships that we form of those who surround us are closer to one party, if not the most important part of our lives (Canavarro, 1999). Thus, attachment theory places great emphasis on the nature of the attachment relationship (Bowlby, 1979). In the first chapter, is elucidated development model of the binding of Bowlby (1969/1982, 1988) and Ainsworth and colleagues (1978). The second chapter explains the changes that occur during adolescence. The third chapter is highlighted the behavioral patterns of aggressive adolescents, which may result in insecure attachment (Almeida, 2000). These situations can cause the subject to present behavior of hopelessness, that this concept will be developed in the fourth chapter. Since the main aim of the research study to what extent the quality of attachment to parents and family structure are related to hopelessness and aggression in teenagers, it is concluded that the adolescent with a history of insecure attachment have less trust, increased alienation and, consequently, greater helplessness and hopelessness (Bowlby, 1969/1982, 1973, Bretherton & Waters, 1985). With regard to family structure, the study reports that the cohesion and adaptability are positively correlated with the confidence and negatively with alienation.