Using the prototype willingness model to predict doping in sport.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Psychology
• Doping Prevention

Background:

• Identifying modifiable factors in doping behavior is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
• The prototype willingness model offers a framework to understand the psychological underpinnings of doping.
• Previous research has explored various factors influencing doping, but a comprehensive model is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prototype willingness model's applicability to doping behavior in competitive athletes.
• To identify distal and proximal factors that predict athletes' willingness to engage in doping.
• To examine differences in doping willingness and perceptions across different competitive levels.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 729 competitive athletes.
• The questionnaire assessed doping-related attitudes, norms, prototype perceptions, outcome expectancies, and behavioral willingness.
• Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine predictors of willingness to dope.

Main Results:

• Past doping, attitudes, and favorability of performance-enhancing substance user prototypes were significant predictors, explaining 54.4% of the variance in willingness to dope.
• Athletes were more willing to dope when facing injury, performance decline, or perceiving others doping successfully.
• National-level athletes showed significantly higher willingness to dope and greater perceived similarity to dopers.

Conclusions:

• Anti-doping initiatives should extend beyond elite levels and target athletes' perceptions and attitudes.
• Interventions should address factors such as past behavior, attitudes towards doping, and perceptions of doping norms.
• Understanding the psychological drivers of doping is essential for developing targeted and effective prevention programs.