Personal and Psychosocial Predictors of Doping Use in Physical Activity Settings: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Key points-A meta-analysis including 63 independent datasets was conducted.-Use of legal supplements, perceived social norms, and positive attitudes towards doping were strong positive correlates of doping intentions and behaviors.-Morality and self-efficacy to refrain from doping were negatively associated with doping intentions and behaviors. AbstractBackground: There is a growing body of empirical evidence on demographic and psychosocial predictors of doping intentions and behaviors utilizing a variety of variables and conceptual models. However, to date there has been no attempt to quantitatively synthesize the available evidence and identify the strongest predictors of doping. Objectives:Using meta-analysis, we aimed to (i) determine effect sizes of psychological (e.g., attitudes), social-contextual factors (e.g., social norms), and demographic (e.g., sex and age) variables on doping intentions and use, (ii) examine variables which moderate such effect sizes, and (iii) test a path analysis model, using the meta-analyzed effect sizes, based on variables from the Theory of Planned Behavior.Data sources: Articles were identified from online databases, by contacting experts in the field, and searching the World Anti-Doping Agency website.Study eligibility criteria and participants: Studies that measured doping behaviors and/or doping intentions, and at least one other demographic, psychological, or social-contextual variable were included. We identified 63 independent datasets. Study appraisal and synthesis method: Study information was extracted by using predefined data fields and taking into account study quality indicators. A random effects meta-analysis was carried out, correcting for sampling and measurement error, and Running head: PERSONAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL PREDICTORS OF DOPING 2 identifying moderator variables. Path analysis was conducted on a sub-set of studies that utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior.Results: Use of legal supplements, perceived social norms, and positive attitudes towards doping were the strongest positive correlates of doping intentions and behaviors. In contrast, morality and self-efficacy to refrain from doping had the strongest negative association with doping intentions and behaviors. Furthermore, path analysis suggested that attitudes, perceived norms, and self-efficacy to refrain from doping predicted intentions to dope, and indirectly, doping behaviors. Limitations:Various meta-analyzed effect sizes were based on a small number of studies, which were correlational in nature. This is a limitation of the extant literature. Conclusions:This review identifies a number of important correlates of doping intention and behavior, many of which were measured via self-reports and were drawn from an extended theory of planned behavior framework. Future research might benefit from embracing other conceptual models of doping behavior and adopting experimental methodologies that will test some of the identified correlates in an effort to develop targeted anti-doping policies and programs.

A call for policy guidance on psychometric testing in doping control in sport

“…For the overview of other personality and social cognitive variables measured and tested in relation to doping, interested readers should consult the meta-analysis by Ntoumanis, Ng, Barkoukis and Backhouse (2014).…”

“…Based on the prevailing assumption that dopers must have a rational doping mindset that leads to and supports doping use, scientific inquiry has generally utilized well-developed theoretical frameworks (e.g., social-cognitive models) to study doping behaviour and its socioPage 12 of 40 A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 11 cognitive determinants and correlates (Johnson, 2012;Ntoumanis et al, 2014). Social scientists have also made attempts to use psychometric measures in lieu of analytical approaches in doping and beyond (Agosta & Sartori, 2013;Uvacsek et al, 2011).…”

“…Whilst significant relationships between psychological variables and self-reported doping intentions and behaviour have been reported, a recent meta-analysis of the extant literature (Ntoumanis et al, 2014) showed that the effect sizes of these relationships were small (e.g., the effect of attitudes on doping behaviour was 0.17, k=13). Owing to the cross sectional nature of the studies conducted to date, causation cannot be established.…”

“…The choice of using doping substances is regulated by a complex system of dynamic relations linking motivations, cognitions, and moral convictions or evaluations (Ntoumanis et al, 2014). The psychometric measures developed to evaluate these constructs become meaningful only if they are considered within the theoretical framework describing the pattern of these dynamic relations.…”

Self-Regulatory Mechanisms of Doping Intentions in Elite Athletes: The Role of Self-Determined Motivation in Sport

“…The intensive training and competition of elite athletes may have a negative effect on their choice of strategies to enhance performance, notably by prompting them to consider the use of illegal drugs and methods (i.e., doping) [1]. Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more violations of the ten anti-doping rules as set forth in Article 2.1 through Article 2.8 of the World Anti-Doping Agency Code (2015).…”