[Validation of the Training Addiction Scale (EAE) in master athletes]

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sports Science
• Behavioral Addiction Research

Background:

• Existing addiction measurement tools often lack generalizability across different behavioral dependencies.
• Assessing exercise dependence requires a specific, reliable instrument.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the General Addiction Scale (EAG) for the specific assessment of exercise dependence.
• To develop and validate the Training Addiction Scale (EAE) for measuring exercise addiction.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of the General Addiction Scale (EAG) into the Training Addiction Scale (EAE).
• Confirmatory factor analysis was employed with a sample of 401 athletes (82.29% male, mean age 45.78 years).
• Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha for identified subscales.

Main Results:

• The adapted scale, EAE, demonstrated good psychometric properties and acceptable model fit.
• Confirmatory factor analysis identified a general factor and four subscales: Tolerance (α=.78), Pleasure-Relaxation (α=.77), Lack of Control (α=.77), and Abstinence-Craving (α=.71).
• Statistical indicators (skewness, kurtosis, fit indices) supported the validity and reliability of the EAE.

Conclusions:

• The Training Addiction Scale (EAE) is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring exercise dependence in athletes.
• The adapted scale provides a robust tool for clinicians and researchers studying exercise addiction.
• The EAE effectively discriminates key dimensions of training addiction.