PYC4812 ASSIGNMENT 4 2026
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
Define the psychological causes of doping and provide a definition and practical
example for each listed psychological cause.
Doping refers to the use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs and methods to
improve performance in sport (Anshel & Williams, 2021). While physical factors play a
role, psychological causes are equally important. This answer focuses on the
psychological causes of doping.
Psychological Causes of Doping
1. Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety refer to emotional tension, worry, and physical arousal athletes
experience in response to demanding competitive situations.
A tennis player experiences severe anxiety before major tournaments. She worries
about disappointing her coach and losing her ranking. To calm her nerves, she begins
using beta-blockers, which are banned substances that slow the heart rate (Anshel &
Williams, 2021).
2. Boredom
Boredom refers to mental fatigue, lack of interest, and restlessness during periods of
low stimulation.
College athletes on a long road trip have significant free time in hotel rooms. To combat
boredom, some players experiment with marijuana or alcohol, even though these
substances are banned (Anshel & Williams, 2021).
, 3. Personal Problems
Personal problems include difficulties outside sport, such as relationship issues, family
dysfunction, or financial stress.
A young gymnast struggles with her parents' recent divorce. She finds it difficult to
concentrate and feels isolated. To escape these painful feelings, she begins using
recreational drugs (Anshel & Williams, 2021).
4. Low Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Low self-confidence refers to doubts about one's abilities. Athletes may use
performance-enhancing drugs to artificially boost their confidence.
A young weightlifter consistently finishes near the bottom of competitions and feels
inadequate. He begins using anabolic steroids to build his confidence (Anshel &
Williams, 2021).
5. The Superman (Adonis) Complex
A condition in which athletes believe they are invulnerable to the harmful effects of
drugs.
A professional football player has used steroids for years. Despite knowing the serious
health risks, he believes his elite physical conditioning protects him from harm (Anshel
& Williams, 2021).
6. Negative Perfectionism
A relentless pursuit of unattainably high standards, accompanied by constant self-
criticism.
A marathon runner is never happy with her times. To push her body beyond its natural
limits, she begins using erythropoietin (EPO) to improve her endurance (Anshel &
Williams, 2021).
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
Define the psychological causes of doping and provide a definition and practical
example for each listed psychological cause.
Doping refers to the use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs and methods to
improve performance in sport (Anshel & Williams, 2021). While physical factors play a
role, psychological causes are equally important. This answer focuses on the
psychological causes of doping.
Psychological Causes of Doping
1. Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety refer to emotional tension, worry, and physical arousal athletes
experience in response to demanding competitive situations.
A tennis player experiences severe anxiety before major tournaments. She worries
about disappointing her coach and losing her ranking. To calm her nerves, she begins
using beta-blockers, which are banned substances that slow the heart rate (Anshel &
Williams, 2021).
2. Boredom
Boredom refers to mental fatigue, lack of interest, and restlessness during periods of
low stimulation.
College athletes on a long road trip have significant free time in hotel rooms. To combat
boredom, some players experiment with marijuana or alcohol, even though these
substances are banned (Anshel & Williams, 2021).
, 3. Personal Problems
Personal problems include difficulties outside sport, such as relationship issues, family
dysfunction, or financial stress.
A young gymnast struggles with her parents' recent divorce. She finds it difficult to
concentrate and feels isolated. To escape these painful feelings, she begins using
recreational drugs (Anshel & Williams, 2021).
4. Low Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Low self-confidence refers to doubts about one's abilities. Athletes may use
performance-enhancing drugs to artificially boost their confidence.
A young weightlifter consistently finishes near the bottom of competitions and feels
inadequate. He begins using anabolic steroids to build his confidence (Anshel &
Williams, 2021).
5. The Superman (Adonis) Complex
A condition in which athletes believe they are invulnerable to the harmful effects of
drugs.
A professional football player has used steroids for years. Despite knowing the serious
health risks, he believes his elite physical conditioning protects him from harm (Anshel
& Williams, 2021).
6. Negative Perfectionism
A relentless pursuit of unattainably high standards, accompanied by constant self-
criticism.
A marathon runner is never happy with her times. To push her body beyond its natural
limits, she begins using erythropoietin (EPO) to improve her endurance (Anshel &
Williams, 2021).
