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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-10-2018 | Original Article

Inspiration or Thinspiration: the Association Among Problematic Internet Use, Exercise Dependence, and Eating Disorder Risk

Authors: Danika A. Quesnel, Brian Cook, Kellen Murray, Jessica Zamudio

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Problematic Internet use (PIU) has been associated with eating disorder (ED) risk factors and pathological patterns of exercise (e.g., exercise dependence (EXD)). Few studies have empirically examined the co-occurrence and relationship among PIU, EXD, and EDs simultaneously. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and co-occurrence of PIU, EXD, and ED in a population-based sample of women. The secondary purpose was to categorically examine the relationship of negative affect with PIU, EXD, and ED symptom scores while controlling for negative affect. A sample of 898 women (M age = 27.6) completed questionnaire measures of ED, EXD, and PUI. Overall, 14.32% reported PIU, 1.96% stated EXD, and 35.07% reported ED risk. Correlations among negative affect and PIU, EDS, and EXD scores were observed. Results suggest comorbid relationships may exist among these increasingly prevalent behaviors and have implications in decisions concerning the prevention and treatment of EDs.

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Title: Inspiration or Thinspiration: the Association Among Problematic Internet Use, Exercise Dependence, and Eating Disorder Risk
Authors: Danika A. Quesnel
Brian Cook
Kellen Murray
Jessica Zamudio
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9834-z

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Inspiration or Thinspiration: the Association Among Problematic Internet Use, Exercise Dependence, and Eating Disorder Risk

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