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Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy
Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 4/2009

01-12-2009 | Original Paper

Understanding Exercise Dependence

Author: Jeremy Adams

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy | Issue 4/2009

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Abstract

Exercise dependence represents a condition in which an individual exercises excessively, often to the detriment of his or her physical and psychological health and wellbeing. Despite substantial investigation of this phenomenon, researchers have only recently developed conceptually sound diagnostic criteria for exercise dependence, and have yet to determine a suitably convincing mechanism or explanation for its onset and development. Likewise, researchers have not assessed whether therapies considered effective for other behavioural dependencies (e.g. internet or gambling addictions) are useful in the treatment of exercise dependence. With these limitations in mind, the present paper seeks to develop a conceptual basis for exercise dependence, critically review a representative portion of the exercise dependence literature, examine theories describing potential mechanisms for its development and onset, and provide recommendations for clinicians regarding the recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of exercise dependence.
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Metadata
Title
Understanding Exercise Dependence
Author
Jeremy Adams
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 0022-0116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-009-9117-5

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