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.