In force Publication date 01 Aug 12
If everyone is using, shouldn't I?: Perceived norms of anabolic androgenic steroid use among high school athletes
Project description
Summary
The objective of the study is to examine the perceived norms of anabolic androgenic steroid use among high school athletes in football, baseball, and basketball. Through an online survey conducted in a sample of four hundred and four (404) athletes, the researcher found that young athletes are more responsive to descriptive norms in comparison to injunctive norms, and that they are more receptive to anti-doping campaigns featuring other recognizable young athletes. Given its conclusions, the study has the potential to inform educational and marketing strategies targeting those populations.
Methodology
The study follows a cross-sectional research design and is based on the theory of normative social behaviour. To get the data, the researcher administered an online survey to a sample of four hundred and four (404) male high school athletes in football, baseball, and basketball.
Results
The study found that recognizable and similar young athletes are more successful in relaying anti-doping messages to other young athletes in comparison to professional or collegiate personalities. The researcher also discovered that the discourse that emphasizes descriptive norms (i.e., accentuating what other athletes are doing) is more effective than one that focuses on injunctive norms (i.e., telling young athletes what they should do). Finally, the study revealed the link between the young athletes’ environment (i.e., whether their peers engage in doping behaviours) and their perception of doping.
Significance for Clean Sport
The study discovers various factors that influence the perception of doping among young athletes, therefore having the potential of serving as a guide in designing educational and marketing strategies targeting those populations. It also provides insights into the impact of perceived norms on attitudes, intentions, and behaviour.
Related Publications