Understanding athlete behavioural motivations and value characteristics for the purpose of clean sport education programming

Summary

The project was anchored in two overarching goals:

1.            To identify core sport values through a Delphi consensus process that could serve as the foundation for a values-based educational approach.

2.            To develop and pilot a scalable, mHealth values-based education module informed by the Delphi results and grounded in best practices in online education and anti-doping pedagogy.

Methodology

Phase 1 – Delphi Study. The Delphi method, a consensus-driven research technique, was employed to identify key values and educational components essential for anti-doping efforts. The panel reviewed a comprehensive narrative literature review prepared by the research team and participated in two rounds of anonymous scoring. Items were scored based on utility and feasibility (for recommendations) and commonness and importance (for values). Items achieving high consensus scores (7 or more on a 9-point scale) were retained.

Phase 2 – Feasibility Study. Using Delphi-informed content, the team developed a prototype mHealth module in collaboration with LeanForward, a firm specializing in e-learning design. The module employed the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) instructional model and was optimized for mobile access.

Results

Delphi Study Outcomes. The following were prioritized as essential:

● Anti-Doping Education Approaches:

- Tailored, sport-specific, age-appropriate content.

- Timely delivery before major competitions.

- Required education for coaches.

- Inclusion of knowledge, attitude, life skills, and social skills training.

● Values-Based Components:

- Use of a consistent value set across gender, nationality, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

- Focus on core values such as fairness, honesty, dedication, responsibility, equity, and community.

● Implications for Practice and Policy

Practical Translation. The study provides a template for integrating values-based anti-doping education into the day-to-day fabric of athlete development. Specifically:

- Educational programming should be evidence-based, targeting not only knowledge but also risk/protective factors and values.

- Modules should use suitable language, interactivity, and age-appropriate design, particularly for youth athletes (ages 14–18).

- Scalability and integration are critical; modules must be simple to disseminate and align with existing training programs.

Policy Recommendations.

The findings support the incorporation of mHealth modules into anti-doping policy at organizational and national levels. Strategic recommendations include:

1.            Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain ongoing dialogue with athletes and support personnel.

2.            Platform Utilization: Deliver modules through commonly used digital platforms.

3.            Content Optimization: Balance brevity with comprehensiveness.

4.            Supplemental Materials: Develop coach toolkits and discussion guides to reinforce critical messaging.

Significance for Clean Sport

This project demonstrates that values-based, anti-doping education mHealth modules are both feasible and effective. By aligning content with athletes’ lived experiences and core ethical values, the module fosters a holistic approach to clean sport. This study offers guidance for future anti-doping interventions that prioritize sustainability, cultural relevance, and moral development. Policymakers and sport organizations are encouraged to use the findings of this study to support anti-doping education by purposefully utilizing values-based strategies and mHealth technologies to support athlete education.