Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that athletes' attitudes towards performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) may differ depending on gender of the athlete and the sport they play (contact vs. non-contact). Further, while there is research regarding the attitudes towards PED use in sport, there is minimal research regarding the use of supplements. The purpose of the present study was to examine the attitudes of varsity student-athletes towards PEDs and nutritional supplements; identify personal perceptions associated with these attitudes; and test for differences in attitudes across gender and sport type. Varsity and university club athletes (n=92) completed measures of athletic identity, social norms, self-efficacy, personal standards, pressure from coaches and parents, and attitudes toward supplements and banned PEDs as well as open-ended items on perceptions of, and access to PEDs and supplements. Athletes reported more liberal attitudes towards supplements than PEDs (p<.05). Hierarchical regression revealed that attitudes towards PEDs (B=.22), social norms (B=.28) and self-efficacy (B=.21) were significant predictors of attitudes towards nutritional supplements. Differences in attitudes towards PEDs and supplements were tested separately. A main effect was found for gender, with male athletes reporting more liberal attitudes towards nutritional supplements than female athletes (3.74 vs 3.20, p<.001). Responses to the open-ended questions highlighted the perceived ease of access to both supplements and PEDs, the normalization of supplements in sport, the perceived pressure on young athletes to perform, and distaste for those who take banned substances. These findings align with and extend existing evidence and may inform educational interventions for varsity sport programs.
