"It's exercise or nothing": a qualitative analysis of exercise dependence

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Exercise dependence is a complex behavioral phenomenon.
• Its relationship with eating disorders and psychological distress requires further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively investigate the concept of exercise dependence.
• To examine the interplay between exercise dependence, eating disorders, and psychological distress.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews.
• Four groups of female exercisers were analyzed: primary exercise dependent, secondary exercise dependent (with eating disorder), eating disordered, and control.
• Narratives were analyzed using a social constructionist perspective.

Main Results:

• Primary exercise dependence without an eating disorder was not observed.
• Exercise dependence, when present, co-occurred with eating disorder symptoms.
• Psychological distress was reported in individuals with co-occurring exercise dependence and eating disorders, as well as those with eating disorders alone.

Conclusions:

• Exercise dependence appears to be secondary to eating disorders.
• The comorbidity of exercise dependence and eating disorders is linked to psychological distress.
• Findings support the concept of secondary exercise dependence but not primary exercise dependence.