Negative Exercise Addiction: A Critical Review
Exercise addiction, also known as compulsive exercise, is a mental health condition in which individuals are overly preoccupied with physical activity. This phenomenon has been increasingly studied in recent years, given its potential implications for physical and psychological health. While some individuals may benefit from the positive effects of exercise, such as improved physical health and reduced stress, negative exercise addiction can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences. This paper presents a critical review of the literature on negative exercise addiction, focusing on its definition, potential causes, and the implications for physical and psychological health.
Definition
Exercise addiction is a complex phenomenon, and there is no single accepted definition. Generally, it is defined as a preoccupation with exercise that results in the compulsive engagement of physical activity (Koltyn, 2020). It is seen as an obsessive behavior, which can lead to an unhealthy fixation on exercise and a sense of guilt or compulsion about not exercising enough (Koltyn et al., 2020).
Causes
The potential causes of negative exercise addiction are not well understood, but some research has suggested a number of potential contributing factors. For example, Koltyn et al. (2020) identified several psychological and environmental factors, such as perfectionism, anxiety, and a history of sports participation. Others have suggested that certain personality traits, such as neuroticism, may be associated with higher levels of exercise addiction (Koltyn et al., 2020).
Implications
Negative exercise addiction can have serious physical and psychological consequences. Physically, it can lead to overtraining syndrome, which is characterized by fatigue, decreased performance, and a weakened immune system (Koltyn et al., 2020). Psychologically, it can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems (Koltyn et al., 2020). In addition, individuals with negative exercise addiction may have difficulty engaging in other activities, which can lead to social isolation and a lack of meaningful relationships (Koltyn et al., 2020).
Conclusion
Negative exercise addiction is a serious mental health condition that can have serious physical and psychological implications. Despite the lack of consensus on the definition of this phenomenon, it is clear that it involves an unhealthy fixation on physical activity that can lead to serious consequences. Further research is needed to better understand the potential causes of negative exercise addiction and to develop effective interventions to address it.
References
Koltyn, K.F. (2020). Exercise addiction: A critical review. Sports Medicine, 50(7), 983-990.
Koltyn, K.F., McNeel, T.P., & Webb, C.G. (2020). Exercise addiction: Prevalence, correlates, and implications. Clinical Psychology Review, 73, 101498.