Psychological Dynamics of Doping Intentions: Socio-Cognitive Insights and Preventive Pathways

The field of sports psychology is increasingly exploring the complex psychological dynamics that influence doping intentions among athletes. Despite extensive research, there remain significant gaps in understanding the interplay between psychological factors such as goals and burnout, and how these factors contribute to the propensity for doping. Central to this discourse are questions about the socio-cognitive factors, including implicit attitudes and the perception of doping benefits versus risks, that might sway an athlete's decision to engage in such practices. Recent studies shed light on the relationship between achievement goals, athlete burnout, and doping intentions, yet our understanding of these elements remains incomplete. This growing body of research emphasizes the need for a multi-dimensional, psychological approach to better grasp the factors driving doping behaviors. While efforts are underway to decode these patterns, existing evidence points to a deficit in comprehensive strategies that effectively incorporate the socio-cognitive components influencing doping intentions.

This Research Topic aims to unravel the socio-cognitive insights into doping intentions, focusing on the intricate web of psychological factors, and implicit attitudes that motivate or deter athletes from doping. By dissecting how mastery and performance goals interlink with experiences of burnout, the research seeks to uncover hidden patterns and provide a foundation for developing preventive strategies. Ultimately, the goal is to enrich understanding of the psychological underpinnings behind doping behaviors, which is vital in sculpting effective anti-doping policies and interventions.

To gather further insights within the bounds of doping prevention and socio-cognitive influences, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o The influence of achievement goals on doping intentions

o The interaction between athlete burnout and doping perspectives

o Socio-cognitive variables moderating doping behavior

o Implicit attitudes and their impact on doping decisions

o The development of psychology-based anti-doping strategies

o Comprehensive frameworks for understanding psychological factors in doping.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Anti-doping, Psychology, Doping, Athletes, Burnout, Behaviors

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.