Attitudes Toward Performance Enhancing Drugs: Division Ii Male Athletes

ATTITUDES TOWARD PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS: DIVISION II MALE ATHLETES

A Thesis Presented to the Graduate Faculty of Health and Physical Education Eastern New Mexico University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science

by Ryan W. Atkinson July 30, 2011

ATTITUDES TOWARD PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS: DIVISION II MALE ATHLETES

Abstract of a Thesis

Presented to the Graduate Faculty of Health and Physical Education Eastern New Mexico University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science

by Ryan W. Atkinson July 30, 2011

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Abstract Since the beginning of athletic competition, there have been cases of athletes trying to enhance performance. The earliest record of athletes using performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) was in the 668 B.C. Ancient Games. Contemporary athletes still use PEDs to gain a competitive advantage or rehabilitate from injuries in many team and individual sports. Some of the most high profile cases of athletes using PEDs include cyclists in the Tour de France, Major League Baseball players, and Olympic athletes. There is also evidence of collegiate athletes using PEDs. A number of exercise scientists and sport psychologists have analyzed the physiological and/or psychological reasons why athletes take performance enhancing drugs. However, more research needs to be done regarding Division II athletes’ attitudes toward PEDs. The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes and perceptions regarding performance enhancing drugs with Division II male collegiate athletes. One hundred and twenty-seven male athletes participating in a number of sports at ENMU completed the performance enhancement attitude scale (PEAS). The sports included football, basketball, track and field (split up between distance runners, sprinters, and field event), and soccer athletes. The survey analyzed participants’ attitudes toward PEDs. A one-way ANOVA statistical test was used....