Theoretical Foundation for Doping - Essay Example

? Prospect Theory: Understanding Doping Affiliated Prospect Theory is a psychological account that explains how people make decisions in conditions of uncertainty. The decision involved is risky or completely uncertain. For instance, deciding whether to marry one’s romantic partner, or taking energy enhancement drugs bearing in mind the anti-doping legislation and general health concerns. All these decisions are based on judgments. The judgments are based on conditions of uncertain outcome, where it is impossible to foresee or determine the outcome. Prospect theory directly describes how choices are framed and evaluated in decision making. This paper provides a theoretical foundation for the outcome of empirical casework. There is a framework of reference to rational choice theories in terms of foundation from which this theory emerged. These theories are fundamental and represent models for explaining certain behaviors in a forensic psychological context. A perfect rational explanation of the behavior of a person under certain risky conditions can be explained in the context of doping in sports. This paper will review and develop a rationale on the reasons behind this risky behavior with uncertain outcomes that in most cases end badly. Keywords: prospect theory, doping, athletes Prospect Theory: Understanding Doping Performance enhancement drugs consumption is considered to be a serious problem across a number of sporting activities, a concern that led to the formation of the WADA (World Anti-doping Agency) in the year 1999. Conceptualizing enhancing drugs in boosting performance is a tough and risky decision. The current study investigates how models of decision-making might be used to better comprehend doping in sports. Despite its underlying risky outcomes, athletes across almost all nations have tested positive. According to many carried surveys, the statistics documented show that the use of these drugs has increased tremendously over the recent years considering the medical evolution of this period (Waddington, 2000). There is growing evidence that performance enhancing drugs are mostly used younger by athletes (Buzzini, 2007). According to Ulrich (2005), the use of anaerobic steroids in particular is increasing for the fitness seeking population. (p. 43) The main reason for banning the use of doping among athletes in competitive sports is that, the enhancement of physical performance offered is contrary to the virtues of sport (World Anti-Doping Agency, 2008). In athletic competitions, it is opposed in that while the substance is accessible to others, it is unfair for others who cannot access it (Monterosso, 2005). Another argument is that, the substance poses significant risks in the health status of an athlete. For instance anaerobic steroids affect cardiovascular and mental health (Seppala, 2002). The latter can lead to depression and heart attacks. There is a great chance on damaging psychological health. Conceptualization (Rationale) Researcher, Bamberger (1997) conducted a survey to provide some insight into the minds of athletes in relation to doping, how it affects their performance in the field, and the later consequences. Participants were asked whether they would use the substances under the following conditions. a. They will not be caught b. They will win the competition. Of the 198 athletes involved in the interview, 195 accepted it. A second question asked to the same athletes was whether they would still take these substances if they were added caveat, and then would die after 5 years. Almost 61% of the total respondents accepted to use it. From the above conducted survey, it appeared evidently that the knowledge of extreme negative psychological and physical effects of taking the substance appeared to have almost no impact on their selected behavior. Documented reasons for ageing doping activities in athletes by Anshel (1991), include the desire to win no matter what the outcome, increase their physical strength, reduce pain, give them a relaxed mood, and cope with stress conditions during competition. Self value is greatly influenced by athletic successes or failures (Flett & Hewitt, 2002). In regard to the survey and the outcome, doping behavior may be explained and understood within a number of theoretical backgrounds. To begin with, the use of performance enhancing drugs is likely to improve self-efficacy in an athlete. This is based on the social cognitive theory (Bundura, 1997). Athletes believe that they can compete well and the task of competing will result in a desirable result which will play a large role in their behaviors (Bandura, 1997). The other reason under theoretical framework is the expectancy-value theory (Feather, 1982). It explains that, a strong individual perceives a link between behavior and a given outcome; the more the outcome is valued, the greater the motivation to engage in the behavior (Elliot, 1999). Generally this explains that athletes perceive that doping is positively correlated with success. The last one is the social determination theory (Ryan, 1991). It explains that, the behavior of human correlates with the fluctuating levels of the physical changes. An individual who is self directed rather than imposed by an external pressure is likely to experience more stable and lasting behaviors with chances of well being (Deci, 2000). Prevention In response to the persistent use of doping substances, anti-doping legislation policies have been formulated that are punished to the athletes, as a way of discouraging the use. The punitive measures and penalties involved are severe and can tarnish the dream of an athlete or the general athletic career (Waddington, 2001). Appropriate resources for drug testing programs have been formulated during competition with severe penalties for those who test positive, usually a two-year ban from the competition during the first time and a complete ban from sporting completion during the second test (WADA, 2003). The list of prohibited drugs includes over 200 specified substances (WADA, 2008), moreover, the number of these drugs and any drug related to performance enhancement is likely to increase (Honour, 2004). The effectiveness of programs that test the substance and the penalties involved are not clearly explained. For instance, blanket testing is rarely carried out across all sports and often, random samples of athletes are tested, particularly the best performers in athletics. This mechanism has been strongly criticized in that; they are a poor index of drug use extent by athletes. Arising Questions Deep hypothesis interventions need to be explored to understand the following arising questions: 1. Who they are as people 2. Why do they compete 3. The impact and purpose of competition in their lives Conclusion Athletes focus on a number of awaiting opportunities that give them an option of taking performance enhancing substances, including medals, money, trophies, attention, and legacy. Performance enhancing drugs users’ belief on novelty, and more interested in the outcome, regardless of the harm. There should be an increased awareness to the dope users, to help them experience dramatic relief and live free in a self selecting decision from doping behaviors rather than imposing heavy penalties that tighten day by day, yet not stopping this behavior. References Ashel, M. H. (1991). An elite athlete’s survey on causes of drug use in sports. Journal of Sport Behavior, 14, 283-310. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy in the changing societies. New York: Cambridge University Press. Buzzini, S. R. (2007). Abuse of hormone for growth among young athletes. Padiatric Clinic of North America. 54, 823-840. Elliot, D.L & Linn-Goldberg, L. (2004). Preventing use of substance and disordered eating. Pediatric Archives of Adolescent Medicine, 158, 1043-1047. Hewit, P. L. & Flett, G. L. (1991). Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: Physiopathology Conceptualization. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 456-470. Ryan, R. M, & Deci, E. L (2000). Theory of self-determination and intrinsic facilitation in motivation and social development. American Psychologists, 55, 68-75. Waddington, I. (2005). Changing ways of drug use in British sport since 1960s. Sport in History, 25(3), 472-495. World Anti-Doping Agency.(2008). The 2008 monitoring Program. Retrieved from http://www.wada-ama.org/rtecontent/document/Monitoring_Program_2008_En.pdf Read More