Showing papers by "Susan H. Backhouse published in 2012"

Reviewing coaches' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding doping in sport.

Abstract: Over two decades, the importance of coaches as potential agents in the prevention of drug use amongst athletes has been emphasised. This article examines the published evidence on coaches' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards doping in sport. A systematic search strategy was followed. Research questions and relevance criteria were developed a priori. Potentially relevant studies were located through electronic and hand searches limited to English language articles published between 1990 and Jan 2011. Articles were assessed for relevance by two independent assessors and the results of selected studies were abstracted and synthesised. Outcomes of interest were knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in relation to doping in sport. Four studies met the inclusion criteria and were examined in detail. Samples reflected a range of coaches (n = 566) drawn from Norway, Italy, France and Hong Kong. The investigations varied with respect to outcome focus and quality of evidence. Despite the influential role that coach...

Achieving the Olympic ideal: Preventing doping in sport

Abstract: In the 1960s, prohibitionist ‘anti-doping’ policy was introduced to curtail the use of illicit performance enhancing substances and methods in sport. Since then, anti-doping attention and funding has been directed towards detection-based deterrence activities. However, it is now acknowledged that investment in long-term, values-based education programmes may be more appropriate. Unfortunately, research into prevention and education is in its infancy, with very little indication of best practice. Therefore, in the interim, we must draw from more developed social science research fields. The following commentary highlights the findings of a recent systematic review of factors which, to-date, have been identified as the most successful preventive approaches across four established social domains; bullying, alcohol, tobacco and social drug use. Although the systematic review highlighted no ‘magical ingredients’ for ensuring effectiveness, there were common ‘recipes for success’, including (i) targeting young participants – when attitudes and values are forming; (ii) providing interactive material that develops social skills; (iii) monitoring and delivering programmes with high degrees of fidelity; (iv) basing delivery on well-trained staff; (v) incorporating long-term ‘booster sessions’ to reinforce key messages. Now, research should contribute to an evidence-base that allows the discovery, application and evaluation of key elements of effective anti-doping education.

Athletes’ perceptions of performance enhancing substance user and non-user prototypes

Abstract: Aim This study explored athletes’ perceived prototypes of performance enhancing substance (PES) users and non-users to facilitate a broader understanding of the risk/protective factors for doping use. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted involving n = 147 current/ex-competitive athletes. Following ethical approval, athletes (mean age = 25.51, SD = 8.47 years; 40.8% male) from 30 sports completed an online open-ended questionnaire. Participants were required to describe their perceived positive and negative images of PES users and non-users. Inductive content analysis established the main themes within the data. Results The perceived prototypes of PES users and non-users were most commonly related to: motivation to succeed, confidence, commitment, temperament, fear of competition, rule abiding, reliability and sociability. Characteristically, PES users were seen as motivated, confident, unreliable and rule breakers, whereas non-users were perceived to be role models, reliable and risk averse. Conclusion The results suggest athletes’ perceptions of PES user characteristics may not be solely negative. Athletes who perceive PES user prototypes favourably may be vulnerable to dopingvia motivation that is elicited from future possible selves. Therefore, athletes’ perceptions of PES user and non-user prototypes may act as risk/protective factors for doping. Implications Tailored anti-doping should target athletes’ prototype perceptions to enhance the prevention of doping in sport.

Doping prevention: Exploring coaches’ experiences and opinions of their role.

Abstract: Objectives: To explore coaches’ perceived roles in doping prevention and investigate their previous experiences of working with athletes on doping related matters. Design: A cross-sectional online survey design was adopted. Methods: UK-based coaches (n=28) from various sports and coaching domains completed a self-devised web-based questionnaire. This consisted of thirty-eight questions divided into four sections (Demographics, Awareness, Experiences and Opinions). Data was analysed via non-parametric tests where applicable. Results: Almost half of the coaches (n=12, 43%) had never been approached by their athletes to discuss doping-related topics. Yet, 86% of coaches felt that they had to encourage an anti-doping viewpoint. Coaches working in the performance development domain were approached more often than those in participation domains. Coaches reported that athletes approach them because they value their opinions, believe they are knowledgeable and will tell them what to do (i.e. make the decision for them). Coaches also reported that athletes might not approach them because they gain support from elsewhere. When approached (n=16), nutritional supplements (n=15, 94%) and prohibited substances/methods (n=14, 88%) were most commonly discussed. Conclusions: Findings indicated that coaches are a source of anti-doping information or advice for athletes. When approached, there was a diverse exchange between the coach and athletes regarding the use of licit and illicit means of performance enhancement. Although coaches within the performance development domain were most commonly approached, coaches from other domains acknowledged that they have a role in doping prevention. Further research should explore coaches’ role expectations, including how anti-doping influences their every-day practice.