Behavioral relationship between motivation and physical self-concept in drug use among adolescent athletes

The use of drugs in our country is one of the most severe problems that our society is currently facing, especially among the adolescent population (Becona, 2007; Calafat et al., 2011; Hock y Weil, 2013 y PNSD, 2013). Involvement in physical and sports activities is considered to be one of the most representative forms of a healthy lifestyle (Cruz, Fernandez y Gonzalez, 2007), as they act as a preventative factor of drug use (De Vries et al., 2006; Warren et al., 2008). Athletes' motivation and physical self-concept play a fundamental role for their adherence to these activities (Garcia-Calvo, 2006; Macarro, Romero y Torres, 2008). Consequently, the aim of this research is to analyse the relationship and influence of motivation and physical self-concept on alcohol, tobacco and cannabis consumption in a sample of 512 Spanish adolescent athletes (M=16,01; DT=1,465). Results establish significant influences of intrinsic motivation, amotivation, extrinsic motivation, and perceived competence, on all the type of consumptions evaluated. Our outcomes have practical implications for the promotion of self-determined behaviour among adolescent athletes.