Psychological determinants of doping behaviour through the testimony of sanctioned athletes / Mattia Piffaretti
Objectives:
A) The main objective of the study is to gain knowledge about the psychological and psycho-social determinants of their doping behaviour, by interviewing sanctioned athletes.
B) Moreover, the investigation aims to assess how athletes experience the banning period, while identifying their specific needs. With such intelligence, the study aims to launch a new project encompassing:
1) PRIMARY PREVENTION: to enrich the prevention campaigns for young athletes with the testimonials of experienced athletes
2) SECUNDARY PREVENTION: to improve detection of psychological attitudes and risky behaviours in young athletes
3) TERTIARY PREVENTION: to contribute to the set-up of a prevention programme to decrease sanctioned athletes‟ relapse risk and to improve their chances for a sport and/or professional relocation
Summary: Current research indicates motivational orientations (Kleinert and Jüngling, 2007; Donahue et al., 2006), perception of sport‟s culture and attitude towards substance abuse (Ohl et Buissonneau, 2009) and obsessive passion (Vallerand et al., 2003) as possible psychological determinants of deviant behaviour in sports, and more particularly of athletes‟ substance abuse. In this study, 11 athletes who were condemned for their substance abuse by their national or international Federation, and were willing to speak out about their deviant behaviour, were interviewed through a theory-based interview guide. In particular, questions focused on the motivational orientations of the athletes, the perception they have about their environment, and the perception of the challenges like career transitions, injury or competitive pressure. Interview data were analysed sound qualitative research methods.
Main results: First of all, the study allowed to clarify the role of the athletes‟ awareness, sport transition, motivations, stress level and perception of anti-doping and ethical norms in their sporting environment, on the risk to violate the anti-dopoing code. Secundarily, it shed a light on the psychological and emotional reactions of the athletes who are banned from their sport for a long period, while throwing a light on their specific needs, to minimise risks of relapse or psychological distress.
