ABSTRACT
Doping remains one of the greatest threats to sporting integrity and the welfare of athletes across the performance and participation pathways. Consequently, there is a pressing need to intervene in an evidence-informed way to prevent this complex behaviour from an early age. In exploring this threat, this chapter (a) considers the prevalence of doping in youth sport, and synthesises the research on the correlates of this behaviour; (b) explores the role of socialisation and significant others in amplifying or dampening the correlates of doping within youth sport; and (c) promotes the role of the sport and exercise psychologist in doping prevention. Throughout, the practitioner is made aware of the importance of working with and through parents and coaches to protect the welfare of athletes. In doing so, they will serve to protect athletes’ rights to participate in clean sport, and safeguard their long-term health and wellbeing.
