Too Much Exercise: Negative Correlates of Exercise Among College Students

Abstract

The following project sought to find negative correlates of exercise, such as exercise dependence or exercise addiction, and to determine how they relate to well-being and eating behaviors. The study also asked questions about things that could aid in the prediction of who may become dependent on or addicted to exercise by asking for a person's perceived happiness, frequency of exercise, reasons for exercising, and eating behavior. Participants were volunteer college students. Results of the study concluded that there is a negative relationship between eating disorders and well-being, and that individuals exhibiting an eating disorder are more inclined to be addicted to or dependent on exercise. Limitations and suggestions for future studies are included.