Psychological Factors Influencing Iranian Athletes' Perspectives on Doping substances; A Case Study
Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1887-SSRC
Authors
1هیات علمی
2آموزش پرورش
Abstract
Introduction: Athletes use ergogenic aids, including nutritional, physical, mechanical, psychological, or pharmacological interventions, to enhance their physical performance and improve functionality. These nutritional supplements, also known as ergogenic aids, have been utilized since the early Olympic Games, although a significant increase in their consumption has recently been observed among specific population groups. On the other hand, social pressure perception and peers' mental representations play a crucial role in forming positive attitudes toward the use of performance-enhancing substances in users. Consequently, the choice to use performance-enhancing substances is influenced by a complex system of dynamic relationships between social cognition and behavior, under the influence of a broad spectrum of conditions and situations. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the implicit and explicit attitudes of student athletes towards doping substances.
Methodology: In this research, a descriptive and analytical approach was employed for practical purposes and variable control. The statistical population of this study included all student athletes from the universities of East Azerbaijan province (members of club sports teams). A total of 200 voluntary individuals with a minimum of one year of sports activity and participation in national league competitions were selected. The Implicit Association Test (IAT) based on doping images was employed to examine implicit and explicit attitudes. The reaction time and accuracy of categorization were recorded, and the difference in average reaction time and results was calculated. The IAT based on doping images demonstrates favorable reliability and, to prevent social desirability bias, participants were assured that the research results have no practical application beyond the research context.
Findings: The results indicated that individuals with a positive implicit attitude toward sports supplements are more likely to use doping substances. Additionally, increased cognitive functions and the need for self-control in athletes may be reasons for doping use.
Conclusion: This study showed that although the overt attitude of athletes towards doping is negative, their implicit attitude suggests a high likelihood of doping use. This research can be effective in enhancing anti-doping prevention programs and fostering healthy attitudes towards them.
Methodology: In this research, a descriptive and analytical approach was employed for practical purposes and variable control. The statistical population of this study included all student athletes from the universities of East Azerbaijan province (members of club sports teams). A total of 200 voluntary individuals with a minimum of one year of sports activity and participation in national league competitions were selected. The Implicit Association Test (IAT) based on doping images was employed to examine implicit and explicit attitudes. The reaction time and accuracy of categorization were recorded, and the difference in average reaction time and results was calculated. The IAT based on doping images demonstrates favorable reliability and, to prevent social desirability bias, participants were assured that the research results have no practical application beyond the research context.
Findings: The results indicated that individuals with a positive implicit attitude toward sports supplements are more likely to use doping substances. Additionally, increased cognitive functions and the need for self-control in athletes may be reasons for doping use.
Conclusion: This study showed that although the overt attitude of athletes towards doping is negative, their implicit attitude suggests a high likelihood of doping use. This research can be effective in enhancing anti-doping prevention programs and fostering healthy attitudes towards them.
Keywords