Transcript Sports, Aggression and Steroids

Sports, Aggression, and
Steroids
Evolution of Aggression
VS
VS
Animal Studies- Moyer
Environment, brain circuits, and stimuli are all involved in defining
aggressive behavior
1. Territorial defense
2. Predatory aggression
3. Inter-male aggression
4. Fear-induced aggression
5. Irritable aggression
6. Maternal aggression
7. Instrumental aggression
Animal Studies- Paul Brian
Focused on utility of aggressive behavior.
1. Self-defensive behavior
2. Social conflict
3. Predatory attack
4. Parental defense
5. Reproductive termination
Human aggression vs.
animal aggression
Humans are the only primates who kill their
own kind?
Aggression as a solution to
adaptive problems
1. Aggression is a means to gain
resources that are valuable for
survival and reproduction
2. aggression can be used to defend
against an attack
3. Aggression occurs between samesex rivals who want the same
resources.
Aggression as a solution to
adaptive problems
4. Aggression increases a person’s
status within a social construct
5. Using aggression in building a
reputation deters attacks
6. Aggression deters long term mates
from sexual infidelity
Almost all aspects of aggression
lead to reproductive success.
Palmer and Tilley studied
number of sex partners of
males in gangs and males
not in gangs
Yanamoma- unokais(
those who have killed)
have more wives than
non-unokais of the same
age
Darwin
Natural Selection
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Variation
Inheritance
Selection
Reproductive success- The relative production of
offspring by a particular genotype.
Fitness describes the capability of an individual of certain genotype
to reproduce, and usually is equal to the proportion of the individual's
genes in all the genes of the next generation. If differences in
individual genotypes affect fitness, then the frequencies of the
genotypes will change over generations; the genotypes with higher
fitness become more common. This process is called natural
selection.
Charles Darwin and company
William Erasmus Darwin
Anne Elizabeth Darwin
Mary Eleanor Darwin
Henrietta Emma "Etty" Darwin
+
=
George Howard Darwin
Elizabeth "Bessy" Darwin
Francis Darwin
Leonard Darwin
Horace Darwin
Charles Waring Darwin
Sports and Aggression
2. aggression can be used to defend
against an attack
3. Aggression occurs between same-sex
rivals who want the same resources.
4. Aggression increases a person’s status
within a social construct
Law and Policy
Modifying Aggression
Laws are a proactive
means to modify
prohibited acts of
aggression and
unethical/
unsportsmanlike
conduct.
History
In the football season of 1906 eighteen players
died due to the volatile nature of the sport and
several more were seriously hurt (Conrad).
President Teddy Roosevelt became concerned
by the violence and summoned sports officials
from several colleges to encourage reform. From
that the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the
U.S. (National Collegiate Athletics Association)
was formed (“History”).
NCAA
The core purpose of the NCAA is
“to govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable
and sportsmanlike manner, and to integrate
intercollegiate athletics into higher education so
that the educational experience of the studentathlete is paramount.”
NCAA
One of the measures they take to ensure the good
sportsmanship is through their policies on
sportsmanship and ethical conduct:
National Basketball Association
A player shall not hold, push, charge
into, impede the progress of an
opponent by extending a hand, forearm,
leg or knee or by bending the body into a
position that is not normal. Contact that
results in the rerouting of an opponent is
a foul which must be called immediately.
A technical foul shall be assessed for unsportsmanlike tactics
such as:
(1) Disrespectfully addressing an official
(2) Physically contacting an official
(3) Overt actions indicating resentment to a call
(4) Use of profanity
(5) A deliberately-thrown elbow or any attempted physical act with
no contact involved
Major League Baseball
“To pitch at a batter's head
is unsportsmanlike and
highly dangerous. It should
be and is condemned by
everybody.”
National Football League
Unacceptable behavior:
“Grasping facemask of the
ball carrier or
quarterback.”
“Running into kicker.”
“Holding, illegal use of
hands, arms, or body by
offense.”
“A tackler using his helmet
to butt, spear, or ram an
opponent.”
Wake Forest University
When participating in intercollegiate athletics
competition, you are expected to demonstrate
good sportsmanship. Your coach will instruct you
in positive techniques for communicating with
officials and opponents. You will be informed how
to react to the aggressive or unsportsmanlike
actions of others.
Wake Forest University
The Department of Athletics enforces its guidelines
related to sportsmanlike conduct. You must avoid
actions that display unsportsmanlike behavior. Some
of these behaviors are as follows:
 Physical abuse of an official, coach, athlete,
opponent or spectator
 Directing obscene or inappropriate language or
gestures to officials, opponents, team members or
spectators
 Any action which violates generally recognized
intercollegiate athletics standards or the values and
standards associated with Wake Forest University,
or as determined by any individual Head Coach and
approved by the Director of Athletics
University of Arizona
“The University of Arizona Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics embraces the National
Collegiate Athletic Association's ‘Principle of
Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct’ and
believes that student-athletes, coaches and
staff should adhere to such fundamental
values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty
and responsibility.”
Effective?
Number of Major
Infactions
Major infractions NCAA Bylaw 22.2.4.4 -Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
Year
2000
2005
2010
Aggression in Sports
A Present-Day Application
Moral Reasoning During CompetitionException to the Rules?
The negative effects of
competition on morals- Reduces
productivity among peers and
between opposing groups,
reduces levels of cooperation,
increases feelings of antagonism.
It is not necessary to eliminate
competition, but it can destroy
conflict resolution when
unrestrained.
Sporting events are accepted as a
setting in which everyday societal
morals no longer apply- both from
the crowd and the athletes.
Fierce competition encourages a
level of aggression that precludes
critical reflection of moral values
and behavior.
But Sports Provide A Healthy
Release of Anger
Robber’s Cave Experiment
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Group of 11 and 12 year old boys at summer camp
Split into two groups and over a period of a few days, they
took part in a tournament of competitive sports such as
baseball, football and tug of war
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Winners were offered prizes, losers received nothing
Tournament began with good sportsmanship, but soon
degraded into a “vicious contest in which the sole aim was to
win and in which the competitors became increasingly seen
as a bunch of incorrigible cheats”
Aggression in Collegiate Sports
Aggression in Collegiate Sports
Sexual Abuse and Campus Violence
Study at a large midwestern university
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Though male athletes make up less than 2% of the population on
campus, they represent 23% of the men accused of sexual assault.
Biggest problem is the acceptance of rape myth among college
students.
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Nearly 50% of male college athletes interviewed believed that women
who report rape are lying
Male athletes were also significantly more likely to agree that athletes
were unfairly targeted
Coons et al. (1995) examined the relationship between violations of
residence hall disciplinary codes and whether a football game was
recently hosted on campus
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Results indicated higher incidence of residence hall violations after a
home game
Support for the theory that exposure to aggression is related to
increases in aggressive behavior.
Aggression in Collegiate Sports
Causes and Implications
The socializing influence of roles
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The phenomena of stereotyped “roles” ie. the athlete, the sorority girl,
the techie geek, are especially dominate in a college setting
Social Roles- the set of behaviors expected of people in certain
positions.
Aggression is expected from people in certain social roles – ie. Athletes
People placed in one of those roles may become more aggressive as a
consequence of adhering to their expected role.
Special Treatment?
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Bestowed upon athletes at some institutions based upon their athletic
status
This special status enables student athletes the advantage of special
admissions criteria, special academic advisement and support, separate
and better living and dining facilities, and a celebrity social status
It also can confer sexual privileges including more frequent sexual
contacts and a greater number of consensual partners than nonathletes enjoy
This sexual status becomes abusive when the athlete generalizes
access to all women but then the privilege is denied by an unwilling
participant
Aggression in College Sports
The Spillover Theory
When the use of violence and aggression is sanctioned
in one setting of an individual’s life, their usage may
carry over to other settings of that individual’s life
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Bloom and Smith (1996): interviewed a group of Canadian
collegiate hockey players about their use and endorsement of
aggression in non-hockey settings
The results indicated that the players from the most competitive
leagues were significantly more likely to endorse the use of
aggression.
These results support the theory that prolonged exposure to intense
aggression in sport can cause a lapse in moral judgment that
extends beyond the athlete’s game.
More competitive players are also encouraged and pressured to be
aggressive, which causes an increase in the appeal of strengthenhancing alternative such as steroids and other sources of
supplemental hormones.
A History of Violence- Aggression in
Professional Sports
If You Give an Athlete a Contract…
Reward/Punishment for Behavior
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NBA commentators suggested that it is okay to be a good guy off the court but
one must be tough and aggressive on the court
Athletes described as “True gentlemen of the NBA … as long as you don’t have to play
against them. You know they’re great off the court; on the court, every single guy out
there should be a killer”
When players were not doing well, they were described as “hesitant” and lacking
aggression, emotion and desire.
Players who get “cleaned out” or “wiped out” by a blocker were often shown on replays
Give it up for the team
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Athletes who are “playing with pain,” “giving up their body for the team,” or
engaging in obviously highly dangerous plays are consistently framed as heroes.
NBA player Isaiah Rider lauded for having “heart” for “playing with that knee injury”
Sports = war
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Commentators use martial metaphors and the language of war and weaponry to
describe sports action.
Monday Night Football broadcasts are introduced with explosive graphics and an
opening song that includes the lyrics “Like a rocket burning through time and space…
NFLs best will rock this place… the battle lines are drawn.
Show Some Guts!
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Commentators depict and replay exciting incidents of athletes engaging in
reckless acts of speed, showing guts in the face of danger, big hits and violent
crashes
When one race ended in a crash, it was repeated over and over in slow motion with the
commentators describing the event as “unbelivable” and “original”
Part Deux- Beyond the Players
Aggression, Sports and the
Workplace
Sports and the infiltration of the
business sector
Corporate entities often emulate athletic game conduct
Business people often consider themselves engaged in a
competitive game
Business jargon is full of athletic euphemisms and metaphors
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Used to describe problem solving
"attack the problem," "tackle the issue," "take a stab at it," "wrestle it to the
ground," "get on top of it."
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Used to describe argumentative colleagues
we complain that they "shot down our idea," "took pot shots at us," "used us
for target practice," or that "we got killed."
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In the face of opposition, we
"back down," "retreat," or "regroup."
problem-solving sessions become war zones, competing ideas are
enemies, and problems are viewed as weapons to blame and defeat
opposing forces.
The Crazed Fan Syndrome
Sport Fan Aggression
Team identification: a fan’s psychological connection to a team
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Highly identified fans are more likely to act aggressively
They are particularly likely to attempt to influence the outcome of sporting events and
they believe that their actions can be successful
Experiment by Russell and Baenninger (1996)
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Studied the likelihood of reporting a willingness to commit anonymous violent
acts as it relates to specific personalities and demographic variables (gender and
irritability)
Data provided strong support for the prediction that highly identified sports fans
would be particularly likely to admit a willingness to injure a player or a coach of
a rival team anonymously
Gladiators of Corporate America
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Theaters of blood
Much like in the time of the Romans, still exist today: we may not stive for the athletes
to slaughter each other, but we often attend in hopes that they will
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The arena at a convenient distance
We no longer use “subhuman” slaves to entertain us with their bloodspill, but the
television is a means to dehumanize the players and distance ourselves from violence.
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The drive to play
We no longer force athletes into blood sports against their will, but we make the
monetary rewards so enticing that athletes become willing to risk their limbs and lives
for our benefit
General Steroid
Information
Steroid Origins
Discovered inadvertently by a German scientist in 1930
First known reference to steroids was in a Strength and Health
magazine in 1938
FDA approved a steroid named Dianabol in 1958 after promising
trials in other countries
Used as a child growth stimulant in 1960, stopped in 1980 when
realized it actually has the opposite affect
In 1990 several pharmaceutical companies stopped manufacturing
the drug
At this time counterfeit versions of the drug filled with anything from
vegetable oil to toxic substances were sold using realistic labels
made from computers
In 1991 Anabolic Steroids were put on the Controlled Substance Act
In 2005 act is revised to make it a federal offense to be in
possession of the drug
Reasons For Steroid Use
Medicinal Purposes
Increased Athletic Performance
Improved Appearance
How Steroids Work
Steroids once in the body
moves through the cell
membrane
Steroid binds to the
cytosolic receptor
Steroid-receptor complex
enters nucleus
Gene depression/
activation occurs
Increased Protein
Synthesis
Change in Muscle Size,
glycogen synthesis
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Legal form (Prescription Only)
Man made substance
Anabolic- muscle building
Androgenic- masculine characteristics
Steroid- refers to the type of drug
Given to patients who produce low amounts of
testosterone, like delayed puberty and certain types of
impotence
Also given to people who suffer from Aids and diseases
that cause loss of muscle mass
Anabolic Steroids
Illegal Form
Natural and synthetic form of the drug
Promotes cell growth and cell division causing growth in
several tissues like muscle and bone
- Testosterone is the main component, which is the male
sex hormone and considered the “original” steroid
Testosterone is secreted in the male testes and the
ovaries of women
Average male secretes 10 mg of testosterone/ day;
Females less than 1mg
Average Steroid user takes 250-400 mg of testosterone
per day
Administration
Oral
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Least Popular
Puts Pressure on Liver
Use once a day
Injection
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Most popular
Injected into
shoulders, gluteus,
thigh
Care must be taken
when selecting site of
injection
May be taken several
times in one day
Side Effects (Negative)
Short Use
Men
Reduced Sperm
Count
Impotence
Development of
Breast
Shrinking of Testicles
Pain while urinating
Women
“Masculation” process
Facial hair growth
Deepened voice
Breast Reduction
Menstrual Cycle Changes
Children
Can Halt growth in adolescent
children, Once growth plates
are closed they can not be
reopened
Side Effects (Negative)
Strong Use
Acne
Bloated Appearance
Rapid Weight Gain
Clotting Disorders
Liver Damage
Premature Heart Attacks and Strokes
Elevated Cholesterol Levels
Weakened Tendons
Side Effects (Positive)
Increased Protein Synthesis from Amino Acids
Increased Muscle Mass and Strength
Increased Bone Remodeling and Growth
Stimulation of Bone Marrow which increases
Red Blood Cells
Anabolics do not improve agility, cardiovascular
ability, flexibility or skill level
Pictures
Deca- 25
Anadrol
Primo- 22
Winny- 22
Commonly Used Steroid Compounds
Testosterone
Methandrostenolone
Nandrolone
Beldenone
Stanozolol
Oxymethalone
Oxandrolone
Fluxymesterone
Trenbolone
Methenolone Enanthate
-None of these compounds are made legally in the U.S. or Canada
Growth of Steroid Use
Penn University study in 1999
showed that 175,000 high
school girls have used steroids
at least once
6.6% of males 17 or younger
use steroids, up from 2.8% in
1999
2.5 % of women 17 or younger
use steroids
1/3 of current steroid users
began before age of 15
Currently 22.4% of steroid use
is for increased athletic
performance- most popular
reason
Information
The average user has gone from using
steroids once a day, to using a more water
soluble version used four plus times a day
There is no scientific evidence of any
deaths ever caused by steroid use
The average steroid user will spend
$4,000 annually in steroids, medical
supervision, medical supplies
Steroids and Aggression
“Aggression in Sports”
Anabolic-androgenic Steroids
(AASs)
AASs are analogues of testosterone
These synthetic derivatives attempt to maximize the
bodybuilding traits of testosterone while minimizing its
“masculinizing” effects (Source: National Institute on
Drug Abuse on Anabolic Steroids)
Reasons why anabolic steroids are
taken
Increased nitrogen retention
Stimulation of RNA-polymerase 
increased protein synthesis
Competes for glucocorticoides receptors
(blocks protein synthesis inhibition)
Aggressive behavior and euphoric feeling
AASs are generally composed of a
core 17-carbon steroid chemical
structure
Testosterone and anabolic steroid derivatives banned in international sport. Each derivative has been
slightly modified either by addition of a substituent or through alteration of the ring structure (addition or
removal of double bonds, cleavage of bonds or addition of ring structures)
Well over 60 AASs have been designed
and synthesized (Source: Anabolic
Androgenic Steroids and Forebrain
GABAergic Transmission)
However, none have been proven to be completely safe
and without adverse side effects. (Often, well-controlled
longitudinal studies have not been carried out).
Human Growth Hormone (not an anabolic steroid)
Gained popularity and fame due to the fact that athletes
are either not tested for it or it is undetectable by many
tests.
Can help prevent breakdown of muscle after the
discontinuance of steroid use.
Thought to strengthen tendons and ligaments.
Background on Aggression
The actual chemistry behind aggression
itself is not completely understood.
It stems from the hypothalamus section of
the brain.
Connecting Aggression to Steroids
High levels of testosterone have been measured
in both athletes and violent criminals. (Source:
American Fitness Professionals and Associates).
Documenting the connection between
steroids and aggression
Journals “Aggression in Male Rats Receiving Anabolic
Androgenic Steroids: Effects of Social and
Environmental Provocation” and “Physical Provocation
Potentiates Aggression in Male Rats Receiving Anabolic
Androgenic Steroids” by McGinnis, Lumia, Breuer, and
Possidente.
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Steroids increased the rats’ aggression in defending their space,
seemingly without affecting their ability to think.
Steroids lowered the threshold for aggression and peaked their
sensitivity to stimuli, while not inducing unprovoked aggression.
Linking Steroids to Aggression in
Humans
Numerous tests have been conducted in
attempts to observe this correlation.
However, most of these tests were
conducted using only the medical dosage
of one single steroid (unlike the high
dosages and “stacking” that occur in reallife situations).
Still, a few quality studies have been
conducted.
“High Dose Anabolic Steroids in Strength
Athletes: Effects upon Hostility and Anger”
Journal by Choi, Parrott, and Cowan
Compared the aggression of athletes on steroids
to comparable counterparts who were not.
Concluded that there was a direct correlation
between steroid use and increased aggression.
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Results were not completely decisive due to the small sample
size.
Information
regarding the
subjects in the study
Results from
various
aggression tests
in the study
“Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and
Forebrain GABAergic Transmission”
Journal by Henderson, Penatti, Jones, Yang,
and Clark.
Studies and documents the changes in the
function and expression of the GABA receptor
due to anabolic-androgenic steroid use.
Due to this receptor’s location and steroid
sensitivity, the researchers suggest that the
GABAergic systems can be considered a
candidate as to how and where steroids alter
human aggression.
An Additional Problem: Steroids
and Teenagers
6.6% of 12th grade males and 1-2.5% of females
have either used or are using anabolic steroids
(Source: United States General Accounting
Office)
Questions and potential problems
brought about by teenage steroid use
The brain of a teenager is not fully
developed and can interact differently and
more extremely to certain substances.
Studies in adolescent rats have seen
prolonged mental effects that extended
beyond the time period of steroid use
(possibly permanent brain changes).
Aggression and Steroid Use
Treatments
Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms
Divided into Phases
Phase I (during 1st week of withdrawal)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Joint-pain
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Elevated Temperature
- Loss of Appetite
Phase II (during 2nd week and lasting several months)
- Depression
- Craving for Steroids
- Insomnia
- Low-self esteem
- Mood Swings
- Reduced Sex Drive
- Thoughts of suicide
Coping with Withdrawal
Physically
- Fitness trainer
- Nutritionist
- Becoming Physically Active w/ Various Activities
(volunteer)
Psychologically
Seeking help from:
- Family & Friends
- Personal Coach or Athletic Mentor
- Professional Psychiatrist (intervention)
Addiction
Once the steroid treatment has started,
tendency to form a habit
Psychological Justification
- More impressive muscles or toned body to attract
opposite sex
- Path to college scholarship or professional career
- “Level the playing field” with other users
- Simply to “WIN”
Drug-based Treatments vs.
Topical Treatments
Drug Based Side Effects (Moderate to Severe)
-Effects on:
*Liver Function
*Kidney Function
*Headache/Migraine
*Digestive Problems (i.e. Constipation, bowel movement etc.)
Topical Based Side Effects (Light to Moderate)
-Effects include:
*Placebo Effect or No Effect
*Allergic Reaction
*Dependence on therapy w/ no results
*Greater craving for Steroid drugs
Drug-based Treatments vs.
Topical Treatments
Drug-Based Effectiveness
- Able to treat withdrawal symptoms with over 75%
success rate (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
- May lead to severe side-effects which deter addicts
to employ therapy
Topical-Based Effectiveness
- Able to treat withdrawal symptoms with over 45%
success rate (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
- Less severe side effects but dependence upon
therapy (placebo effect)
Seroquel (Drug-based therapy)
Mainly used to treat schizophrenia and
bipolar disorder
Found to be effective in treating patients with
aggression and Steroid withdrawal
In one 389 patient study, 321 patients stated
that they felt drug was helping them to “think
clearer” and were less adept to aggressive
behavior or steroid use (De Nayer et. al)
Significant reduction in future aggressive
behavior
Seroquel (How it Works)
Tendency for aggressive behavior may be due to
“certain chemicals in the brain being out of balance”
(www.seroquel.com)
The imbalances lead to side effects and feeling of
addiction
“Doctors and scientists are not sure what causes
these imbalances to occur. Although the exact way
that SEROQUEL works is not known, it is thought to
work by regulating the balance of chemicals in the
brain. Although SEROQUEL is not able to cure your
condition, treatment may help manage various
symptoms and help you feel better. For this reason, it
is very important to take your dose(s) of SEROQUEL
every day or as your health care professional
recommends, even once your symptoms go away
and as you're feeling better.” (www.seroquel.com)
Seroquel (Side-effects)
Side-Effects:
“The most common side effects experienced in the clinical trials
were dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upset, and lightheadedness. Serious side effects can occur with any
antipsychotic medication. A rare, but potentially fatal, condition
referred to as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been
reported. Another condition associated with antipsychotic
medications is tardive dyskinesia, which can cause potentially
irreversible, involuntary movements. There have been reports of
disorders of elevated blood sugar, including diabetes mellitus,
associated with SEROQUEL and other drugs in its class.
Development of cataracts has been observed in dogs in
association with SEROQUEL treatment. An eye examination is
recommended every six months as a precaution.”
(www.seroquel.com)
Best Treatment: Education
Family, Friends, Doctors & Mentors
- Reinforce positive ideas and educate about repercussions of
sports aggression and steroid use
- Highly effective w/ no side effects
National Association of School Psychologists/
National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Have various programs to help abusers and offer aide to those
who seek it
- Advocate and prevent steroid use and sports aggression in
various youth groups
Ethical Considerations
Ethical Principles
Beneficence
- Acting with charity and kindness
- Do only good
Nonmaleficence
- First do no harm
- Avoid risks, unless the results justify them
Ethical Principles
Respect for Autonomy
- Act toward others in a way to allow them to selfgovern (Paternalism conflict)
- Do your duty/Keeping your word
Justice
- Fairness; persons should get what they are due
- Benefits and burdens are equally distributed
Fiduciary Duty
- Confidence and trust placed on one side of
party that results in:
*Superiority of one party over the other
*Strong influence on other party
Ethics of Competition/Winning
Ethical Duties of Competition
The duty to play to win (1)
- Early Greek Festivals of Olympia
*776 BC-first recorded athletic organization held for mass
city-state competition (what is now known as the
Olympics)
- Used as tools to build character and
national loyalty
* A means to represent ones culture, nation, and
identification (modern sports teams)
Ethical Duties of Competition
The duty to follow the rules for the
protection of all contestants (2)
- Outline of specific goals and means to achieve
them (rules of the game)
- Agreement by players to equally follow set
guidelines
*Justice
Ethical Duties of Competition
The duty to respect the integrity of the
game (3)
- Preservation of arena
* Maintain respect for opposing team
- Ending the game or ceasing to violate the rules
* Enforcing rules and punishing those who violate
them
Cheating: Loss of Olympic Spirit
Olympics spirit defined by embodiment of athletic
spirit and pride in nationality
Purpose of games is to set aside differences and
unify the world in a healthy competitive
environment
Cheating in these events violate the above
principles:
- 1904 Thomas Hicks (given strychnine and brandy even
during games)
- 1968 Swedish pentathlete Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall tested
positive for doping
- 1988 Seoul Olympic games Canadian athlete Ben Johnson
tested positive for stanzolol
Even in the 2006 Olympic Games, several
athletes from several nations failed drug tests
Cheating: Loss of Athletic Idols
MLB idols such as Mark McGuire, Sammy
Sosa, and Barry Bonds have been accused of
cheating (either by taking steroids or other
means)
Young adults looking onto such athlete as
role models are left disappointed and
confused (with the wrong message in mind)
Ethics of Steroid/Aggression
Treatment (Scenarios from
Doctor’s Perspective)
If someone who has been
taking steroids or presenting
dangerous aggressive
behavior goes to a doctor for
help…the doctor may…
Option 1
Doctor may call authorities and Submit
the patient for Psychiatric help
- Respect for patient’s autonomy? Betrayal?
- Nonmaleficence (of patient) vs.
Beneficence (of Doctor)
Option 2
Demand stopping the use of steroids or
presenting such aggressive behavior
but seek help elsewhere
- Nonmaleficence-(Did the doctor harm him?)
- Fiduciary Duty of Doctor towards patient
Option 3
Work with patient in explaining the legal
and medical problems associated with
dangerous aggressive behavior and
steroid use (no prescribed anti-drugs)
- Beneficence (Is the doctor doing good?)
- Fiduciary Duty of Doctor towards patient
Option 4
Plead Ignorance, “I don’t want to get
Involved”
- Justice (steroid patient vs. other patients)
- Nonmaleficence (Does the doctor harm him from not
doing
anything about the situation?)
Option 5
Prescribe a plethora of drugs to combat
the symptoms of withdrawal
- Beneficence of drugs on patient opposed to sideeffects?
- Nonmaleficence- are the drugs doing more harm
than good?
Discussion Questions
Is it ethically justified to use drugs to combat
the withdrawal symptoms of steroid use and
aggression being well-aware of the
dangerous side-effects?
Is it ethical for a doctor to turn down treatment
of one patient (steroid taking or presenting
dangerous aggressive behavior) over
another?
What do you think the penalty of steroid use
in a competitive sport (MLB, NFL, Olympic
sport, etc.) should be, if any?
Discussion Topic
Ken Caminiti, who admittedly used
steroids and died at the age of 41, posed
this question regarding steroid use. "Look
at all the money in the game. You have a
chance to set your family up, to get your
daughter into a better school, so I can't
say don't do it, not when the guy next to
you is as big as a house, and he's going to
take your job and make the money."