issues with exercise addiction research! Flashcards
limitations
Minutillo et al., 2024
- The small sample sizes and lack of standardized research protocols make it hard to draw firm conclusions.
- Most studies focus on adults, while adolescents (who are at risk for early behavioral addictions) are understudied.
EA in athletes
Juwono et al., 2021- review-The bulk of these studies compared athletes to non-athletes and employed a cross-sectional design. Their results suggest that the risk of exercise addiction is greater in athletes than non-athletes, along with a prevalence rate of up to >40%, which is ten times greater than that reported in a population-wide study. These findings are in discord with the definition and conceptualization of exercise addiction, which, according to previous calls, begs for the urgent clearer conceptualization of exercise addiction.- however a lot of these use self report measures, and a qunatitivae view of exercise addiction, which for atheltes would make most ‘addicted’ as they have to exercise so much for their jobs
review
*Szabo et al., 2015 This paper identified issues with conceptualising exercise addiction- firstly there are issues in naming exercise addiction, and some papers even muddle up primary and secondary exercise addiction. Further, without clear cut criteria, it can be difficult to disentangle excessive exercise and exercise addiction.
* The paper highlights the inconsistencies in exercise addiction research, primarily due to reliance on self-report questionnaires rather than clinical diagnosis. It argues that questionnaire-based studies only indicate risk rather than confirm actual cases of addiction, as a formal diagnosis requires evidence of harm, as per DSM-5 criteria. The wide variation in reported prevalence rates can be attributed to differences in assessment tools, sample populations, cultural and gender influences, and subjective interpretations of survey items.
* A significant issue is the misclassification of elite athletes as exercise-addicted due to their high scores on addiction assessment tools. These scores likely reflect their dedication to their sport rather than a pathological compulsion. The paper emphasiz-es that without follow-up interviews, self-report data can lead to overestimation of addiction prevalence.
* To advance the field, the authors recommend incorporating structured interviews to confirm diagnoses and assessing both the severity of symptoms and potential harm. Future research should be theoretically driven, using DSM-5 criteria to distinguish true addiction from high commitment to exercise.
society
Lichenstein et al., 2017- Identifying exercise addiction is challenging due to society’s inherently positive view of physical activity. Behaviors like excessive exercising are often socially accepted and encouraged, making it difficult to recognize when such habits become harmful. This societal acceptance can lead to a lack of recognition of exercise addiction, as the behavior aligns with cultural norms promoting health and fitness.
In group exercise settings, social influence can further complicate the identification of exercise addiction. Individuals may feel pressured to conform to group norms, which often emphasize high levels of commitment and performance. This pressure can lead to excessive exercise behaviors being viewed as normal or even admirable, masking potential addiction.
Johnston et al., 2011-
Additionally, the use of fitness trackers and the sharing of exercise milestones on social media can reinforce societal approval of extensive exercise routines. While these practices can motivate healthy behaviors, they may also contribute to normalizing excessive exercise patterns, making it harder to distinguish between dedication and addiction
runners high/
t has been found that the main motivation in this strive and desire is to achieve the exercise induced “high”. This “high” is translated across many sports with many different phrases, in weight lifting it is described as “the pump” in long distance running its referred to as “the runners high” although it has different names and terminology it is the same euphoric feeling (Dishman & O’Connor, 2009). This euphoric state can become addictive and is a part of exercise addiction draws into compulsion.
using exercise to treat other addicitons
Exercise has psychological benefits such as stress reduction, prevent cognitive decline, increased relaxation, increased self-confidence and alleviate anxiety to name a few (Hogan, Mata, & Carstensen, 2013). In a study by Ruby et al. (2011) another benefit to exercise is the ability for it to control addiction, it was stated that the release of dopamine during exercise helps to reduce addiction in other fields such as drugs and alcohol which release the chemical dopamine. Weinstein and Weinstein (2014)
However, there is a potential risk that individuals recovering from substance addictions might develop exercise addiction, a condition characterized by a compulsive need to engage in physical activity despite negative consequences. This phenomenon can be understood through the concept of short-term energy-relieving behaviors (STERBs), where individuals substitute one compulsive behavior for another to manage unresolved emotions or trauma. Common STERBs include overeating, substance use, excessive exercise, and workaholism. While these behaviors may provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issues and can lead to additional problems
