Examining the Relationship Between Dysfunctional Exercise and Eating Disorder Pathology During and After Treatment...

Research indicates that dysfunctional exercise and global eating disorder pathology are closely related. Dysfunctional exercise is associated with extended eating disorder hospitalization and exacerbated psychological and physical health impairments. Currently, there are no longitudinal investigations of the relationship between these two constructs both during and after eating disorder treatment. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationship between dysfunctional exercise and global eating disorder pathology among a transdiagnostic sample of adolescents enrolled in a partial hospital/intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment program.

Participants included 359 adolescents (age M = 15.62; SD = 1.39; 292 female [84.1%] at Time 1) who completed assessments at five timepoints during and post treatment. A bivariate latent change score model was used to examine the bidirectional associations between dysfunctional exercise and global eating disorder pathology.

A dual coupling model indicated that the relationship between global eating disorder pathology and dysfunctional exercise is bidirectional. Specifically, higher levels of one variable at earlier time points are associated with diminished improvement in the other variable over time.

Findings provide evidence of a reciprocal relationship between dysfunctional exercise and global eating disorder pathology in adolescents both during and after treatment. Higher levels of one construct at earlier time points were associated with less improvement in the other over time. However, this relationship may be influenced by shared severity in both domains, indicating a need for further investigation. Results highlight the importance of assessing and addressing dysfunctional exercise within eating disorder treatment, as failing to do so may hinder overall recovery.