ERIC Number: EJ1321887
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0270-1367
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Gender and Black-White Race Differences in Young Adult Exercise Dependence Prevalence and Associated Disordered Eating
MacIntyre, Rachel I.; Heron, Kristin E.; Howard, Lindsay M.; Symons Downs, Danielle
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, v92 n4 p680-688 2021
Purpose: Exercise dependence, an unhealthy preoccupation with exercise that results in physiological and psychological symptoms, may be particularly prevalent among college students given sociocultural exercise and body ideals in this population. Yet few studies have examined this phenomenon in diverse college samples. The aims of the present study were to examine gender and Black-White race differences in the prevalence of exercise dependence and associated disordered eating. Method: Undergraduates (N = 839) completed online measures of exercise dependence and disordered eating. Chi square tests were used to test for differences in prevalence, and linear regression was used to examine race and gender moderating effects on the exercise dependence-disordered eating association. Results: More men reported exercise dependence symptoms than women. More White participants reported symptoms than Black participants. Of the four gender and race combinations examined, White men had the highest proportion and Black women the lowest proportion experiencing symptoms. Gender, but not race, moderated the exercise dependence-disordered eating association. Conclusions: Although more men experience exercise dependence symptoms, women experience stronger associations between exercise dependence symptoms and disordered eating. The number of students who reported exercise dependence symptoms underscores the need for further research in this population and the development of culturally sensitive interventions.
Descriptors: Gender Differences, Young Adults, Exercise, African American Students, White Students, Undergraduate Students, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Eating Disorders, Health Behavior, Physical Activities, Incidence, Risk
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A