The Relationship Between the Spirit of Sport Values & Anti-Doping Beliefs Among Elite U.S. Swimming Athletes: Direct-Based Measures Using the Theory of Planned Behavior - Abstract
This study delves into the correlation between the values encapsulated in the spirit of sport and key elements derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior
(TPB) within the realm of elite athletes. The potential advantages for National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) lie in scrutinizing the embodiment of
these sport values among their athletes and assessing whether these values could serve as predictors for significant TPB constructs. Such an exploration holds
promise for enhancing the design and assessment of anti-doping strategies, allowing for both pre- and post-assessments of values-based education (VBE). Our
investigation draws upon firsthand data collected in 2023 from elite USA Swimming athletes (N=77) who had competed nationally in the preceding year. Using
multilinear regression analysis, we probed the relationship between 13 spirit of sport values and attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control
as outlined in the TPB. The findings unveiled noteworthy correlations: respect for others, respect for rules, health, and fun demonstrated significant associations
with anti-doping attitudes; health, fun, teamwork, self-control, and self-respect were notably linked to anti-doping subjective norms; and task orientation,
respect for others, fun, community, teamwork, self-respect, and ethics displayed substantial associations with perceived behavioral control.