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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-02-2018 | Brief Report

Exercise Addiction: Preliminary Evidence on the Role of Psychological Inflexibility

Authors: Manuel Alcaraz-Ibáñez, José M. Aguilar-Parra, Joaquín F. Álvarez-Hernández

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Previous research suggests that psychological inflexibility may play an important role in the development of both substance and behavioral addictions. However, the influence that psychological inflexibility might exert on exercise addiction has still to be investigated. The objective of this study was to look at the influence of psychological inflexibility on exercise addiction. Three hundred and ninety-eight recreational endurance exercisers (381 men and 17 women) aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 35.62, SD = 9.43) completed a self-reported questionnaire. A structural equation model was tested. After controlling for the effects of age (β = − .34, p < .001), frequency (β = .24, p < .01), and the number of hours of practice (β = .09, p = .17), psychological inflexibility contributed to explaining exercise addiction (β = .26, p < .001). The model explained 30% of the variance in exercise addiction. Some preliminary evidence is provided suggesting that psychological inflexibility could condition the potential benefits of practising physical exercise; in particular, by favoring the acquisition of an addictive pattern when carrying out such activity.

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Title: Exercise Addiction: Preliminary Evidence on the Role of Psychological Inflexibility
Authors: Manuel Alcaraz-Ibáñez
José M. Aguilar-Parra
Joaquín F. Álvarez-Hernández
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-9875-y

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