Body image, mood, and coping strategies during exercise abstinence for male and female obligatory exercisers
Date
2015
Authors
Millard, Lauren, author
Rickard, Kathryn, advisor
Anderson, Sharon, committee member
Harman, Jennifer, committee member
Shomaker, Lauren, committee member
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Abstract
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that regular physical activity may provide significant benefits for many aspects of psychological well-being (Walsh, 2011), including body image. Countless studies have shown that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on negative body image and body dissatisfaction. On the other hand, very few studies have examined the impact of exercise abstinence on body image in individuals that typically adhere to a consistent exercise routine. The purpose of the present study was to examine how abstaining from exercise may impact body image in college students that may be at risk for obligatory exercise behavior. The present study also investigated whether and how exercise abstinence may relate to self-reported changes in affect and body image or relate to compensatory behaviors, such as dietary restriction. Gender differences in reactions to exercise abstinence were also explored. Participants who achieved high scores on the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire abstained from exercise for three consecutive days and each day completed an online questionnaire inquiring about their experiences each day. Data were analyzed using post-positivist grounded theory and constant comparative analysis. Results produced themes that fell into one of three categories: Body Image, Mood, and Behaviors/Coping Strategies. A theoretical model was developed to portray how the three categories related as well as how they varied by gender. Male and female participants exhibited both differences and similarities in their experiences of exercise abstinence with respect to body image, mood, and behaviors.
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Subject
body image
exercise abstinence
body dissatisfaction
obligatory exercise
compensatory behaviors