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The Relationship between Compulsive Exercise, Self-Esteem, Body Image and Body Satisfaction in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Juncal Ruiz-Turrero

    (Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Karlijn Massar

    (Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Dominika Kwasnicka

    (Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aleksandra Ostrowskiego 30b, 53-238 Wrocław, Poland
    NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 333 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Gill A. Ten Hoor

    (Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to test the relationship between compulsive exercise and self-esteem, body image, and body satisfaction as potential predictors of eating disorders. Methods: Self-report measures of compulsive exercise beliefs and behaviors, self-esteem, body image, and body satisfaction, were completed by 120 female participants through an online questionnaire. Factor analyses with varimax rotation were performed to create exercise-frequency groups. ANOVA’s were performed on Body Mass Index (weight adjusted for height squared, BMI), current minus ideal weight, self-esteem, body image, and body satisfaction to determine if there were differences depending on these exercise groups. Results: Factor analysis revealed two factors for compulsive exercise beliefs and behaviors: (1) Exercise Fixation, and (2) Exercise Frequency and Commitment. Based on those factors, participants were subdivided into four clusters: (1) pathological obligatory exercisers, (2) exercise fixators, (3) committed exercisers, and (4) non-exercisers. No differences were found between these groups for BMI or current minus ideal weight. Pathological obligatory exercisers and committed exercisers spend significantly more hours on exercise weekly compared to exercise fixators or non-exercisers. No differences between pathological obligatory exercisers, exercise fixators, and non-exercisers were found on self-esteem or body satisfaction, where the committed exercisers scored significantly better. Both committed exercisers and non-exercisers scored significantly better on body image flexibility compared to pathological obligatory exercisers and exercise fixators. Conclusion: Compulsive exercise has both an exercise volume and an emotional component. The level of compulsive exercise is linked to one’s self-esteem, body image, and body satisfaction and those factors could be a target for future interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Juncal Ruiz-Turrero & Karlijn Massar & Dominika Kwasnicka & Gill A. Ten Hoor, 2022. "The Relationship between Compulsive Exercise, Self-Esteem, Body Image and Body Satisfaction in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1857-:d:743632
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frida Austmo Wågan & Monica Dahle Darvik & Arve Vorland Pedersen, 2021. "Associations between Self-Esteem, Psychological Stress, and the Risk of Exercise Dependence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-13, May.
    2. Alessio Gori & Eleonora Topino & Mark D. Griffiths, 2021. "Protective and Risk Factors in Exercise Addiction: A Series of Moderated Mediation Analyses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-18, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kamila Czepczor-Bernat, 2022. "The Role of Body Shame and Age on Appearance-Based Exercise and Positive Body Image in Women from Poland: Preliminary Results of a Cluster Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-10, November.

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