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Protective and Risk Factors in Exercise Addiction: A Series of Moderated Mediation Analyses
Alessio Gori1,2, Eleonora Topino3, Mark D Griffiths4
1Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Florence, Italy.
Excessive exercise can become addictive for some. High self-esteem acts as a protective factor against exercise addiction, mitigating risks associated with body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Exercise addiction is a recognized condition affecting a minority of individuals.
- Understanding the psychological factors contributing to exercise addiction is crucial for prevention and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk and protective factors of exercise addiction among regular exercisers.
- To examine the roles of drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction, body image concerns, and self-esteem in exercise addiction.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 319 Italian regular exercisers completed validated questionnaires.
- Statistical analysis involved moderated mediation models to assess relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Drive for thinness, bulimia, and body dissatisfaction were positively associated with exercise addiction.
- Body image concerns mediated these relationships.
- Self-esteem significantly moderated the indirect effects, acting as a protective factor.
Conclusions:
- High self-esteem reduces the impact of risk factors on exercise addiction.
- Findings inform interventions aimed at preventing and treating exercise addiction.
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