A statistical synthesis of the literature on personal and situational variables that predict doping in physical activity settings

Summary

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.

This study aimed to (i) determine effect sizes of psychological (e.g. attitudes) and social-contextual factors (e.g. social norms), and demographic (e.g. sex and age) variables on doping intentions and use;

(ii) examine variables that 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 (TPB).

Methodology

The first stage implied the development of a literature revie and statistical synthesis using path analysis. 63 studies, spanning 1990-2013, from 18 countries, were analyzed to understand psychological mechanisms associated with doping behavior. Articles were identified from online databases, by contacting experts in the field, and searching the World Anti-Doping Agency website. Studies that measured doping behaviors and/or doping intentions, and at least one other demographic, psychological, or social-contextual variable were included. Finally, 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 identifying moderator variables. Path analysis was conducted on a subset of studies that utilized the TPB.

Results

•    Use of legal supplements, perceived social norms, and positive attitudes towards doping are the strongest positive correlates of doping intentions and behaviors.
•    Morality and self-efficacy to refrain from doping has the strongest negative association with doping behaviors.
•    Attitudes and perceived norms and self-efficacy to refrain from doping predict intentions to doping behaviors.
•    The project highlights the need for broader approaches to anti-doping education which emphasize social context of doping behavior.

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 TPB 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.

Significance for Clean Sport

The findings of this meta-analysis provide an objective and concise synthesis of prior research on the psycho-social variables associated with doping behavior and indicate the stronger predictors of doping use. Overall, they highlight the need for a broader approach to anti-doping education. An approach which moves beyond curricula heavily skewed towards compliance and testing towards one that emphasize the social context of doping behavior via strength- and norm-based activities. This project has been instrumental in giving the directions for future anti-doping social science research.

This paper, along with Backhouse review demonstrates an appetite for more meta type studies providing overviews, contexts and consensus around certain topics, especially considering the methodological limitations in a lot of individual studies in the anti-doping literature. Highlights also the abundance of correlational/cross sectional studies with a need to move towards experimental designs. The lack of longitudinal designs is also highlighted.

Related Publications

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