Preventing doping in sport: Evidence, innovation, and policy in the European context

Despoina Ourda and Vassilis Barkoukis

Chapter 6 in Research Handbook on Sport in Europe, 2026, pp 56-67 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Abstrac t : This chapter explores the current landscape of doping in sport within the European context, emphasizing psychological, social, and policy dimensions of prevention. Drawing on empirical research, it outlines key psychosocial predictors of doping behaviour, such as attitudes, moral disengagement, motivation, and contextual influences. It reviews evidence-based interventions developed across Europe, highlighting innovative practices such as values-based education, serious games, and virtual reality. The chapter also examines EU policy frameworks, including the EU Work Plan for Sport and Erasmus+ initiatives, underscoring their contributions and limitations in promoting clean sport. Challenges in research methodology, programme implementation, and policy integration are critically discussed, with recommendations for interdisciplinary collaboration, youth-centred approaches, and theory-informed, scalable interventions. Ultimately, the chapter advocates for holistic strategies that align research, education, and policy to tackle doping and uphold the integrity and values of sport.

Keywords: Doping prevention; Sport integrity; Anti-doping education; Psychosocial factors; EU sport policy; Clean sport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035338382
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