An empirical model of athlete decisions to use performance‐enhancing drugs: qualitative evidence

Models of athlete decisions to use performance‐enhancing substance and method (PESM) lack an empirical base. In this paper, the validity of the content (variables thought to influence use) and process (how the variables come together) of these models is assessed. Reporting the second qualitative stage of a broader choice modelling study, n = 20 interviews (conducted from August 2007 to January 2008) and three follow‐up focus groups (n = 29; June 2008) with athletes, coaches, sports nutritionists, physiotherapists, sports administrators and sports scientists were used to generate a grounded model of athlete PESM use. Ten factors, organised around four themes, emerged (objective of PESM use, about the PESM, the deterrence system and consequences if prosecuted). The model suggested by these factors provides confidence in terms of what variables influence athlete PESM use (content), although questions remain as to whether rationality reflects how the behaviour manifests. This latter point remains to be tested in the third quantitative stage of this research programme.