Implicit versus explicit attitude to doping: Which better predicts athletes' vigilance towards unintentional doping?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Psychology
• Doping Control

Background:

• Unintentional doping poses a risk to athletes.
• Understanding athletes' attitudes towards doping is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictive power of implicit and explicit doping attitudes on athletes' vigilance towards unintentional doping.
• To explore the relationship between doping attitudes and behaviors related to avoiding unintentional doping.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional correlational study with 143 Australian athletes.
• Utilized implicit association tests and self-report scales for doping attitudes.
• Assessed behavioral vigilance through ingredient reading tasks and self-reported adherence.

Main Results:

• Positive implicit and explicit doping attitudes correlated with lower likelihood of reading food ingredients.
• Both attitudes positively predicted vigilance towards unintentional doping.
• Implicit doping attitude showed a stronger association than explicit attitude.

Conclusions:

• Athletes with positive doping attitudes exhibit reduced vigilance in checking food ingredients but increased awareness of potential banned substances.
• Implicit doping attitude significantly influences behavioral responses to avoid unintentional doping, surpassing explicit attitude's influence.