Using the Sport Drug Control Model to Review the Social Science Research on Doping and Identify Areas for Future Research

Summary

This project aimed to review existing social science research on doping in sports using the Sport Drug Control Model (SDCM). The goal was to identify gaps in the research and suggest areas for future studies that could improve anti-doping education and interventions. The SDCM provides a framework for understanding the factors that influence athletes' decisions to use performance-enhancing drugs, including personal, social, and environmental influences.

Methodology

The researchers conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on doping, focusing on studies that used the SDCM framework. They searched databases like Web of Science and Google Scholar for recent studies not included in previous meta-analyses. The review covered various domains of the SDCM, such as personality traits, moral beliefs, social norms, and the perceived costs and benefits of doping. The team also consulted with experts in the field to gather unpublished or in-progress research relevant to the model.

Results

The review confirmed the relevance of the SDCM in predicting attitudes and behaviors related to doping. It highlighted the importance of factors like personal morality, social influences, and perceived legitimacy of anti-doping authorities. The findings showed that while much research has been done on individual factors, there is a need for more studies on the broader societal and cultural influences on doping. The review also identified a lack of intervention studies that translate research findings into practical anti-doping strategies.

Significance for Clean Sport

This project underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to anti-doping education that addresses both individual and societal factors. By identifying gaps in the current research, the study provides a roadmap for future investigations that can inform more effective anti-doping policies and programs.