Motivational and sportspersonship profiles of elite athletes in relation to doping behavior

ObjectivesThe study investigated the motivational, achievement goals, and sportspersonship profiles of elite-level athletes, in relation to doping behavior.MethodElite athletes (N = 1075) representing nine Olympic sports participated in the study. The mean age of the athletes was 22.9 years (SD = 6.39). Participants completed a questionnaire including measures of motivational regulations, 2 × 2 achievement goals, sportspersonship orientations and social desirability.ResultsA cluster analysis revealed three meaningful segments with respect to self-determination (Intrinsically and Extrinsically Motivated and Amotivated athletes). Athletes in the Intrinsically Motivated group reported significantly lower scores on past doping use and intentions to future use compared to other groups. With respect to achievement goals, three meaningful segments emerged (Mastery and Approach Oriented and High Achievers), with athletes in the Mastery Oriented group showing significantly lower scores on past doping use and intentions to future use compared to other groups. Regarding sportspersonship orientations, two meaningful segments (Low and High Sportspersonship) emerged, which did not differ on past doping use and intentions to future use.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study provide valuable information on the motivational and sportspersonship orientations of athletes who have used or intend to use doping substances.

► Amotivated athletes showed significantly higher scores in prohibited substances’ past use and intentions for future use compared to the intrinsically motivated and extrinsically motivated athletes.
► Mastery oriented athletes showed significantly higher lower in prohibited substances’ past use and intentions for future use compared to performance-approach and avoidance-oriented athletes.
► No differences in prohibited substances’ past use and intentions for future use was found between athletes with high and low sportspersonship levels.