Psychosocial predictors of nutritional supplement use among leisure time exercisers

The use of performance enhancement substances, such as nutritional supplements, is a growing phenomenon that pervades both competitive and non-competitive sports. The aim of the present study was to assess the interplay between social physique anxiety, nutritional supplement use and related social cognitions in leisure-time exercisers. The sample consisted of 196 gym users who completed a structured questionnaire including measures of social physique anxiety, supplement use and related social cognition variables. The results showed that about half of the respondents had used nutritional supplements at least once in the preceding year. Linear regression analysis indicated that social physique anxiety, past supplement use, attitudes, and personal norms predicted intentions to use dietary supplements. Multiple mediation modeling showed that the effect of social physique anxiety on supplement use intentions was fully mediated by past use. The present study provides novel findings about the effect of social physique anxiety and social cognitive processes on nutritional supplement use among leisure time exercisers.

► Anxiety to maintain a good fit predicts intentions to use nutritional supplements among leisure time exercisers.
► Outcome expectancies mediated the effect of Social Physique Anxiety on supplement use intentions.
► Personal beliefs mediated the effect of SPA on supplement use intentions.
► Past supplement use was among the stronger predictors of intentions.
► Faith in favorable outcomes, and positive views of nutritional supplements were among the stronger predictors of intentions.