Article #32 of 50: I have made it a goal of mine to share at least 50 research articles with you to review in 2012. These articles will be shared with no opinion of mine, just purely the information provided in the research and where to go to read more about the topic. This weekly challenge will feature many different aspects of the field: strength, conditioning, nutrition, psychology, etc. If you would like to submit research articles to be included in this segment, please email me a PDF version of the peer reviewed journal article.
Scand J Med Sci Sports 20120: 22: 293–301.
There is evidence of a small but significant proportion of adolescents engaging in doping practices. Young athletes face very specific pressures to achieve results as they strive for a career at an elite level. This study used an anonymized questionnaire to survey 403 (12–21 years old) talented young athletes’ attitudes toward performance-enhancing substances and supplements. Two-thirds of the sample comprised males. Athletes were generally against the use of doping substances to enhance sporting performance. Within this generally unfavorable view, males tended to express a more permissive attitude toward performance-enhancing methods than females. Those convinced of the necessity of supplementation for sporting success were also more likely to express permissive attitudes. When asked whether they would take a ‘‘magic’’ drug that, while undetectable, would significantly enhance performance, the overwhelming majority of athletes said ‘‘no,’’ but many thought others would take the substance. Interestingly, there was a significant association between the projected use of the hypothetical drug by competitors and the individual respondent’s willingness to take the hypothetically ‘‘magic’’ substance. The study offers an insight into young athletes’ attitudes toward specific forms of performance enhancement, and the strength of their beliefs in the face of a tempting hypothetical scenario.
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While the study shows that a majority of those surveyed are reportedly against the use of performance enhancing drugs, I believe the reality of what we see in the Olympics, professional sports and other high-level athletics tells a disturbing story. From Lance Armstrong to Barry Bonds to “female” Olympic athletes attaining physiques that resemble that of an NFL wide receiver, it seems that a great many athletes who reach world class levels are amongst the willing when it comes to the use of drugs and doping. It can be a very difficult subject for a parent or coach to breach when their young athletes see so much evidence of performance enhancing drugs aiding in the success of those achieving the highest levels in sports.
Is this perception from a lack of media attention on those who achieve greatness “clean”? Is this a society problem that whenever a record is now broken the reason is “they must have cheated” instead of recognizing the hard work, discipline and sport performance and skill preparation advances? What can be done to help parents and coaches provide a positive message to future record breakers?