Teammate and training partner support in recreational triathletes doping attitudes and concerns

Summary: 

In order to ensure that all levels of sport remain clean, researchers and anti-doping advocates must expand their work to include recreational athletes. To that end, this study will explore the ways that recreational triathletes experience social support from their teammates/ training partners and how such support impacts doping attitudes/behaviors. In particular, the proposed study will explore whether or not social support from peers leads to a greater willingness to engage in anti-doping education. Additionally, in order to more effectively create educational resources for recreational triathletes the current study will gather information related to what recreational triathletes would like to experience during such education.

Methodology

The research questions will be answered using a cross-sectional/mixed-method design in which both qualitative and quantitative indicators will be used.

Results

This is an ongoing one-year research project whose results are expected to be presented in 2024.

Potential Impact

By sharing the results of this work with local, regional, and even national triathlete clubs and organizations this work will strengthen the connections between research and practice that are so critical to advancing the cause of clean sport.