RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXERCISE DEPENDENCE AND BODY IMAGE

Abstract

1009 Exercise dependence may be defined as a process which compels an individual to exercise despite contraindications and which results in physical and psychological complications when withdrawn. While precipitating factors are not clear at present, it has been suggested that a "distorted" body image might drive excessive exercise behavior as a means to alter body composition. To date, however, the relationship between exercise dependence (ED) and body image distortion (BID) has not been reported. In the present study, we examined the relationship between ED & BID via a Pearson correlation among 33 female and 27 male college students. ED was assessed using the survey instrument of Rudy & Estok (1989). Body image was assessed using the nine figure body silhouette scale of Stunkhard, Sorenson & Schulsinger (1983). Subjects were asked to indicate the figure that approximated their current body image (CURRENT) and the figure they would desire to achieve (IDEAL). BID was established as the difference between CURRENT vs. IDEAL ratings (CURRENT-IDEAL) according to the method of Hallinan et al (1991). Results revealed a significant group correlation (r = + .83) between ED & BID. No significant gender difference was found for correlations between ED & BID; however, t-test analyses demonstrated significantly higher values for both ED & BID among females (14.6 ± .9 and .9 ± .1, respectively) as compared to males (10.2 ± 1.6; −.3 ± .1). Results suggest a strong relationship between ED & BID and support previous findings of higher ED & BID among females as compared to males.