Performance‐and Appearance‐Enhancing Drug Use in Sports: A Psychological Perspective

This chapter presents an overview of psychological research on doping behaviour and discusses its implications for future anti‐doping education in both elite and amateur sports. It provides a discussion on performance and appearance enhancing drugs (PAEDs) use by distinguishing betweendifferent forms of performance enhancement substances and discusses their prevalence and health implications. The chapter presents an overview of research on the psychological characteristics associated with PAEDs use, by emphasizing the role of personality and individual differences; social cognitive variables, intentionality, and decision‐making processes; motivation and moral reasoning; and self‐conscious emotions. It also discusses studies that used psychological theories and evidence to develop anti‐doping interventions and education campaigns. Psychological research on doping behavior sheds light on the process factors that explain why some athletes and exercisers decide to engage in or avoid doping use.