The predictive ability of perfectionistic traits and self-presentational styles in relation to exercise dependence

Abstract

Stamp, G M (2015) The predictive ability of perfectionistic traits and self-presentational styles in relation to exercise dependence. Personality and Individual Differences, 86. pp. 176-183. Author note: The data collection for this study was undertaken while the lead author was at the University of Leeds, UK.Contact details: Andrew P. Hill, Ph.D., Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, YO31 7EX, UK, E-mail: a.hill@yorksj.ac.uk Hill, A. P., Robson, S. J., & Stamp, G. M. (in press). The predictive ability of perfectionistic traits and self-presentational styles in relation to exercise dependence.Personality and Individual Differences. Accepted for publication: 10/06/2015. AbstractExercise dependence is a harmful pattern of exercise behaviour that research suggests is associated with trait perfectionism. The current study extends previous research by examining the relationship between symptoms of exercise dependence, trait perfectionism (self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented perfectionism) and perfectionistic self-presentational styles (perfectionistic self-promotion, non-display of imperfection, and non-disclosure of imperfection). In doing so, we examined the unique predictive ability of the three trait dimensions of perfectionism; the relationship between perfectionistic self-presentational styles and exercise dependence symptoms; and the incremental predictive ability of perfectionistic self-presentational styles beyond trait perfectionism. Two-hundred and fortyeight gym members (age M = 25.74, SD 11.38, range 18-75) completed paper-and-pencil measures of the variables of interest. Analyses revealed that of the traits, self-oriented perfectionism was the most important unique predictor of exercise dependence. In addition, perfectionistic self-presentational styles were all positively related to symptoms of exercise dependence. Finally, after controlling for trait perfectionism, perfectionistic selfpresentational styles explained additional variance in four of seven symptoms of exercise dependence (withdrawal, lack of control, reduction, and time). The findings suggest that, beyond exhibiting trait perfectionism, when exercisers are committed to portraying an image of perfection it may contribute to an unhealthy commitment to exercise. 3It is well-documented that regular exercise has a number of physical and psychological health benefits and, unfortunately, too few people participate in recommended amounts of exercise (World Health Organisation, 2010). However, there are also individuals who engage in excessive amounts of exercise, become dependent on exercise, and for who exercise has a negative influence on their health (Veale, 1995). As described by Hausenblas and Symons Downs (2002), exercise dependence is a craving for leisure-time physical activity that results in uncontrollable excessive exercise behaviour and physiological and/or psychological symptoms. Its symptoms include withdrawal (withdrawal symptoms for exercise or use of exercise ...

Perfectionism and training distress in junior athletes: a longitudinal investigation

“…They are also in agreement with findings from research on perfectionism and compulsive exercise, showing perfectionistic athletes to have higher levels of compulsion to exercise (Hill et al, 2015). More importantly, the present findings suggest that perfectionism may be a factor contributing to the development of training distress in athletes.…”

“…Based on previous theory and empirical evidence from crosssectional studies on perfectionism and compulsive exercise (e.g., Hill et al, 2015), we hypothesised that perfectionism would predict training distress. In this, however, we expected only perfectionistic concerns to be a positive predictor, whereas we expected perfectionistic strivings to be either a negative predictor or to show nonsignificant relationships.…”

“…In support of this suggestion, case PERFECTIONISM AND TRAINING DISTRESS 3 studies have shown that athletes who overtrained were characterised by exhibiting a high level of perfectionism (Gould, Tuffey, Udry, & Loehr, 1997;Krane, Greenleaf, & Snow, 1997). In addition, there is evidence that perfectionism is related to associated syndromes such as athlete burnout and compulsive exercise (Hill & Curran, in press;Hill, Robson, & Stamp, 2015;Madigan, Stoeber, & Passfield, 2015). So far, however, the relationships between perfectionism in athletes and training distress have not been investigated.…”

Exercise Addiction and Its Relation to Psycho-Social Aspects and Motives

“…Based on the assumption that physiological aspects cause exercise addiction, researchers focused on endurance sports such as running (De Coverley Veale, 1987), while research in sports such as bodybuilding or fitness training focused more on psychological and socio-theoretical aspects (Hill et al, 2015;Lichtenstein, Christiansen, Elklit, Bilenberg, & Støving, 2013;Murray, McKenzie, Newman, & Brown, 2013). However, data for prevalence rates vary depending on factors such as measurement instruments, or sample structure (Egorov & Szabo, 2013;Hausenblas & Symons Downs, 2002b).…”

“…Second, Szabo (1995;2010) for example presented a psychological approach, indicating excessive exercising as a way to cope with conflicts and crises. Other researchers found a negative correlation between certain personality traits and exercise addiction (Hausenblas & Giacobbi, 2004;Hill, Robson, & Stamp, 2015). Therefore, athletes with low self-esteem and high perfectionism are more likely to develop exercise addiction.…”