The Impact of Drug Testing on the Morale and Weil-Being of Mandatory Participants

Abstract

The impact of drug testing on the morale of mandatory participants was assessed through interviews and questionnaire responses of 500 intercollegiate athletes required to participate in a urine testing program. Subjects varied widely in their experiences. Most were not greatly affected, but some were embarrassed, humiliated, upset, and anxious about being inaccurately identified as drug users. Others experienced positive benefits: new information, a novel and interesting conversation piece, and a socially acceptable way to refuse drugs offered in friendship. Some said that testing benefited their athletic performance and school work. A number of recommendations were made to humanize and improve the experience: a better orientation about what to expect, more effective educational sessions, a warmer, more comfortable testing setting, more reasonable drug testing objectives, and more rigorous testing standards.

Key Words:

• Drugs
• Drug testing/urine screening
• Intercollegiate athletes
• Psychological well-being