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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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Open Access 01-02-2020 | Original Article

Personality Factors in Exercise Addiction: A Pilot Study Exploring the Role of Narcissism, Extraversion, and Agreeableness

Authors: Rebecca H. Cook, Mark D. Griffiths, Halley M. Pontes

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Despite the increased evidence and acceptance of exercise being classed as a behavioral addiction, there is limited research examining personality characteristics within exercise addicts. The purpose of this study was to examine three personality traits (narcissism, extraversion, and agreeableness) and to examine their role in exercise addiction. The sample comprised 114 voluntary participants (74 females and 40 males) who completed the (i) Exercise Addiction Inventory, (ii) Narcissistic Personality Inventory, and (iii) Ten-Item Personality Inventory, as well as demographic questions and questions concerning their engagement and intensity levels of exercise. Results indicated a low incidence of individuals who were classed as at risk of exercise addiction (7%), but a high incidence of symptomatic individuals (75%). Results suggested that extraversion and narcissism may be underlying factors in exercise addiction with no effect for agreeableness. Exercise engagement and intensity were also related to exercise addiction. Further research examining the relationship between personality types and exercise addiction may be useful in identifying individuals at risk for developing exercise addiction.

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Title: Personality Factors in Exercise Addiction: A Pilot Study Exploring the Role of Narcissism, Extraversion, and Agreeableness
Authors: Rebecca H. Cook
Mark D. Griffiths
Halley M. Pontes
Publication date: 01-02-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-9939-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Personality Factors in Exercise Addiction: A Pilot Study Exploring the Role of Narcissism, Extraversion, and Agreeableness

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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