Exercise Dependence

Question 1

Define exercise dependence

Answer 1

An addiction characterised by a compulsion to exercise excessively even when the consequences are harmful

Question 2

What is primary dependence and what is secondary dependence?

Answer 2

Primary - exercise is an end in itself (endorphin release), intrinsic motivation
Secondary - the control and manipulation of body composition (anorexia nervosa, muscle dysmorphia), extrinsic motivation

Question 3

What are the 7 features of exercise dependence?

Answer 3

1. Tolerance (To)
2. Withdrawal (Walk)
3. Intensity (In)
4. Impaired Control (Idyllic)
5. Time spent (Towns)
6. Reduction in other activities (Reduces)
7. Continuance … despite injury (Cortisol)

Question 4

How many of the 7 features are required to be present to be classed exercise dependent?

Answer 4

3 or more

Question 5

Describe the 4 phases of exercise addiction

Answer 5

Phase 1 (Recreational Exercise) - positive psychological effects
Phase 2 (At risk exercise) - reliant on PA to enhance mood)
Phase 3 (Problematic exercise) - reduction in other activities and reliance on PA to overcome withdrawal symptoms
Phase 4 (Exercise addiction) - life unmanageable without exercise, continue training despite injury, no control)

Question 6

Define exercise commitment

Answer 6

The motivational force that reflects a person’s desire and resolve to continue participation in exercise

Question 7

What 3 features does highly engaging behaviour share with addiction?

Answer 7

Frequent thoughts about the behaviour
Positive feelings in response to the behaviour
Tolerance

Question 8

What 6 personality traits do exercise addicts tend to exhibit? (source?)

Answer 8

Obsessive-compulsive
High expectations of self
Mental toughness
High Pain Tolerance
Perfectionism
Risk takers
(Davis et al., 1993)

Question 9

What disorders commonly co-occur with exercise dependence? (source?)

Answer 9

(25% of those who are exercise dependent also have another addiction)
Eating disorders (39-48% of those with an eating disorder also have exercise addiction)
Caffeine use
Buying addiciton
Work addiction
Alcohol and drug addiction
(Freimuth, Moniz & Kim, 2011)

Question 10

Explain the Sympathetic-Arousal hypothesis? Developed by who?

Answer 10

Decreased sympathetic arousal at rest –> feelings of fatigue and lethargy at rest –> negative psychological (deprivation) sensations –> need to increase control through exercise
(Thompson and Blanton, 1987)

Question 11

Explain the beta-endorphin hypothesis?

Answer 11

B-endorphin levels in blood rise with exercise due to increased need for blood to be transported to working muscles –> reduced pain sensitivity and euphoric feelings leading to desire to repeat the action

Question 12

What is the Cognitive-Appraisal hypothesis? Developed by who?

Answer 12

Exercise is a method of coping –> lack of PA = lack of coping mechanism –> loss of control (of environment/situation) –> increased vulnerability to stress –> psychological hardship –> exercise is a method of coping (cycle continues)
(Szabo, 1995)

Question 13

How is exercise dependence measured?

Answer 13

Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire (OEQ)
Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI)
Exercise Dependency Scale (EDS-R)
Qualitative methods (i.e. interviews)

Question 14

How is exercise dependence treated?

Answer 14

No one cure.
Psychotherapy - e.g. CBT
Self-help strategies - e.g. cross-training to avoid overuse injuries, scheduling rests, exercise the mind to lower anxiety and low self-esteem, stress management techniques (yoga, tai chi, meditation)