Examining Exercise Dependence Symptomatology from a Self-determination Perspective

Abstract

Background Pulling from Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985), this study examined whether individuals classified as ‘nondependent-symptomatic’ and ‘nondependent-asymptomatic’ for exercise dependence differed in terms of reported levels of exercise-related psychological need satisfaction, self-determined versus controlling motivation and exercise behavior. In addition, we examined the type of motivational regulations predicting exercise behavior among these different groups, and their role as mediators between psychological need satisfaction and behavioral outcomes. Methods Participants ( N = 339) completed measures of exercise-specific psychological need satisfaction, motivational regulations, exercise behavior and exercise dependence. Results Nondependent-symptomatic individuals reported higher levels of competence need satisfaction and all forms of motivational regulation, compared to nondependent-asymptomatic individuals. Introjected regulation approached significance as a positive predictor of strenuous exercise behavior for symptomatic individuals. Identified regulation was a positive predictor of strenuous exercise, and completely mediated the relationship between competence need satisfaction and strenuous exercise behavior, for asymptomatic individuals. Conclusions The findings reinforce the applicability of SDT to understanding the quantity and quality of engagement in exercise.

Obsessive passion: a dependency associated with injury-related risky behaviour in dancers

“…These indicated appropriate internal consistency for the measures of obsessive passion, relatedness, and dance dependence. The alpha coefficients for autonomy and competence were slightly low but in line with previous reports (e.g., Edmunds et al, 2006); however, harmonious passion demonstrated a concerning level of reliability. Factor analysis indicated two low loading items (10 and 6); removal of these marginally improved model fit and reliability (α = .66) however given the lack of substantial improvement the full item set validated in previous studies was retained.…”

Using self-determination theory to understand motivation for walking: Instrument development and model testing using Bayesian structural equation modelling

“…The latter is consistent with most of the literature which shows introjection to be more highly correlated with identified regulation than with external regulation in other behavioural domains (c.f., (Chemolli & Gagne, 2014) and with previous research using the BREQ-2. (e.g., Edmunds et al, 2006a;Markland, 2009;Markland & Tobin, 2004;Markland & Tobin, 2010;. Taken together, these findings are broadly in harmony with previous studies and support Chemolli and Gagné's contention that evidence for a continuum conception of self-determination is weak and inconsistent with the broader tenets of SDT.…”

“…Researchers have undertaken limited walking specific studies to examine behavioural regulations; however other studies have shown that the hypothesized relationships between behavioural regulations and physical activity are evident for structured and strenuous exercise, but not for lifestyle physical activity behaviours (e.g., walking instead of taking motorized transport, easy walking) or mild exercise in the same sample (Edmunds, Ntoumanis, & Duda, 2006a, 2006bSilva et al, 2010;Vlachopoulos, Ntoumanis, & Smith, 2010). As suggested by Silva et al it is possible that engaging in lifestyle behaviours may require less cognitive effort and therefore be regulated by more automatic and habitual processes (Silva et al, 2010).…”

Body-Related Self-Conscious Emotions Relate to Physical Activity Motivation and Behavior in Men

“…An alternative perspective relating to the positive associations between body-related guilt and introjected and identified regulations is that guilt may foster maladaptive forms of physical activity. Previous research investigating the motivating forces behind maladaptive forms of exercise such as dependence, has reported introjection as the strongest predictor of maladaptive activity (Edmunds, Ntoumanis, & Duda, 2006). This is the first study to extend self-objectification framework to examine the relations among body-related guilt, physical activity motivation, and behavior.…”