Athletic identity and moral disengagement in doping

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between athletic identity of athletes and their moral disengagement in doping. Also determined was whether athletic identity has an impact on athletes’ moral disengagement in doping. Comparisons of athletic identity and moral disengagement scores of the athletes for some variables was included. Athletic Identity Scale and Moral Disengagement in Doping Scale were completed by 364 Turkish athletes. The average age of the sample was 20.99±4.29 years. The average of the answers given to the scale items, Athletic Identify and Moral Disengagement scores were calculated. Path analysis was used and the t-test and ANOVA were applied for intergroup comparisons. The average exclusivity scores of male athletes were significantly higher than that of female athletes. It was determined that professional athletes’ social identity and exclusivity average scores are significantly higher and more meaningful than amateur athletes. The path analysis revealed that the social identity perceived by the athletes has a positive and statistically significant effect on moral disengagement in doping. In addition, the exclusivity perceived by athletes has a negative and significant effect on moral disengagement. Athletic identity and moral disengagement in doping differ according to gender, age, sport level and sport age.