, PYC4812
ASSIGNMENT 4 2026
DUE AUGUST 2026
SECTION 1
QUESTION 1
Based on a review of the anecdotal and scientific literature, the causes of doping lie within three
categories: social, institutional, and psychological. The psychological causes of doping refer to the
internal mental processes, emotional states, and personality traits that influence an athlete's
decision to engage in doping behaviour (Anshel & Williams, 2021). These causes are rooted in how
athletes think, feel, and perceive themselves and their environment, rather than external pressures
from coaches or society. Key psychological causes include the desire to manage performance
pressure and fear of failure, distorted moral reasoning that justifies cheating, and personality traits
like ego-involvement that prioritise winning at all costs.
A definition and practical example for each listed psychological cause is provided below:
1. Coping with Performance Pressure and Fear of Failure: This psychological cause is defined as the
use of doping as a maladaptive strategy to manage the overwhelming anxiety and stress associated
with the need to succeed and the terror of failing (Ehrnborg & Rosén, 2009). Athletes may turn to
performance-enhancing drugs when they feel their natural abilities are insufficient to meet
expectations, believing that doping is the only way to secure their position, maintain their funding,
or achieve their goals.
Practical Example: A national-level swimmer is approaching the final competition of their career.
They are terrified of underperforming and not achieving the qualifying time for a major
championship, which they believe will define their legacy. To cope with this immense performance
pressure and the fear of this failure, the swimmer decides to use a prohibited substance,
rationalising that the risk is worth it to secure their performance and avoid the shame of losing
(Ehrnborg & Rosén, 2009).
ASSIGNMENT 4 2026
DUE AUGUST 2026
SECTION 1
QUESTION 1
Based on a review of the anecdotal and scientific literature, the causes of doping lie within three
categories: social, institutional, and psychological. The psychological causes of doping refer to the
internal mental processes, emotional states, and personality traits that influence an athlete's
decision to engage in doping behaviour (Anshel & Williams, 2021). These causes are rooted in how
athletes think, feel, and perceive themselves and their environment, rather than external pressures
from coaches or society. Key psychological causes include the desire to manage performance
pressure and fear of failure, distorted moral reasoning that justifies cheating, and personality traits
like ego-involvement that prioritise winning at all costs.
A definition and practical example for each listed psychological cause is provided below:
1. Coping with Performance Pressure and Fear of Failure: This psychological cause is defined as the
use of doping as a maladaptive strategy to manage the overwhelming anxiety and stress associated
with the need to succeed and the terror of failing (Ehrnborg & Rosén, 2009). Athletes may turn to
performance-enhancing drugs when they feel their natural abilities are insufficient to meet
expectations, believing that doping is the only way to secure their position, maintain their funding,
or achieve their goals.
Practical Example: A national-level swimmer is approaching the final competition of their career.
They are terrified of underperforming and not achieving the qualifying time for a major
championship, which they believe will define their legacy. To cope with this immense performance
pressure and the fear of this failure, the swimmer decides to use a prohibited substance,
rationalising that the risk is worth it to secure their performance and avoid the shame of losing
(Ehrnborg & Rosén, 2009).
