Perfectionism and compulsive exercise: a systematic review and preliminary meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorder Research

Background:

• Perfectionism and compulsive exercise are linked to eating disorders.
• Previous research suggests a connection, but no meta-analysis has quantified it.
• This study addresses the need for quantitative data on this relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the relationship between perfectionism dimensions and compulsive exercise.
• To test the hypothesis of significant, small-to-moderate pooled correlations.
• To provide evidence for the role of perfectionism in compulsive exercise within eating disorder contexts.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of published, peer-reviewed articles.
• Inclusion criteria: standardized measures of perfectionism and the Compulsive Exercise Test.
• Seven studies (N=3117) were analyzed, with participants aged M=21.78 years (49% female).

Main Results:

• Significant positive pooled correlations were found between total perfectionism (r=0.37), perfectionistic strivings (r=0.33), and perfectionistic concerns (r=0.32) with compulsive exercise.
• The majority of included studies (67%) were rated as fair or good quality.
• Limitations include a small number of studies, limited clinical samples, and predominantly cross-sectional designs.

Conclusions:

• Higher levels of perfectionism are associated with increased compulsive exercise.
• Further research is needed to understand compulsive exercise interventions, particularly given its link to perfectionism and relevance in eating disorders.