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

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, and doping avoidant intention and behavioral adherence were administered to 410 young Australian athletes. Participants also completed a ‘lollipop’ decision-making protocol which 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. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that self-control was positively linked to the 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.