Self-control, self-regulation, and doping in sport: a test of the strength-energy model

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Chan, Derwin K.C.;Lentillon-Kaestner, Vanessa;Dimmock, James A.;Donovan, Robert J.;Keatley, David A.;Hardcastle, Sarah J.;Hagger, Martin S.
Abstract

We applied the strength-energy model of self-control to understand the relationship between self-control and young athletes' behavioral responses to taking illegal performance-enhancing substances, or "doping." Measures of trait self-control, attitude and intention toward doping, intention toward, and adherence to, doping-avoidant behaviors, and the prevention of unintended doping behaviors were administered to 410 young Australian athletes. Participants also completed a "lollipop" decision-making protocol that simulated avoidance of unintended doping. Hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses revealed that self-control was negatively associated with doping attitude and intention, and positively associated with the intention and adherence to doping-avoidant behaviors, and refusal to take or eat the unfamiliar candy offered in the "lollipop" protocol. Consistent with the strength-energy model, athletes with low self-control were more likely to have heightened attitude and intention toward doping, and reduced intention, behavioral adherence, and awareness of doping avoidance.

Journal

Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

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Volume

37

ISBN/ISSN

1543-2904

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Issue

2

Pages Count

8

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Publisher

Human Kinetics, Inc.

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EISSN

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DOI

10.1123/jsep.2014-0250