IASSI-Quarterly

WADA has proposed several measures to eradicate the prohibited performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) which are raising significant concerns in the sports world. While the theoretical underpinnings of the metacognitive approach to doping have been elucidated, the role of gender as a moderator remains unexplored. To address this crucial gap in our understanding, the present research endeavours to investigate gender as a moderator in the relationship between the non-cognitive trait of grit, metacognition and athletes’ intentions regarding the use of performance enhancement drugs. This study encompasses a sample of 427 athletes (215 females and 212 males).

Utilising the Hayes Process module, we conducted a rigorous analysis to unveil a significant moderation effect, which was subsequently probed using the Johnson-Neyman technique to discern nuanced interactions. Cross sectional research was conducted to understand the same. Our findings reveal a noteworthy insight about gritty athletes, when equipped with high levels of metacognitive skills exhibit a heightened propensity to consider the use of performance-enhancing substances but there was no moderating effect of gender. This insight underscores the intricate interplay between personal determination (grit) and metacognitive abilities in elite athletes’ decision-making processes related to PEDs.

Our suggested future directions focus on the development of psycho-social interventions and programs aimed at enhancing athletic performance through legitimate means, thereby steering athletes away from potentially harmful shortcuts.