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Abstract

A multidimensional scaling approach was used to investigate the differential positions of 16 banned substances relative to selected attributes as perceived by student athletes. Four factors dictating respondents' preference were extracted using a factor analysis. Differences in perceptions as defined by gender and contact versus noncontact sports were compared to identify those banned substances to which student athletes were most vulnerable. Besides alcohol, caffeine, and anabolic steroids, the results revealed that marijuana, crank / speed, heroin, and LSD / ecstasy were popular among male student-athletes, and uppers / amphetamines, and morphine among female student-athletes. Marijuana, cocaine / crack, and heroin were given a special preference in contact sports, whereas marijuana and crank / speed were preferred in noncontact sports. The results could help the development of targeted drug policies and education programs to curb the potential use of banned substances in athletics.

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PERCEPTUAL MAPPING OF BANNED SUBSTANCES IN ATHLETICS

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