Jessica Renz, Psy.D.
Psychological and Demographic Predictors of Excessive Exercise Among Adolescents with Eating Disorders
Chair: Hilary Vidair, Ph.D.
Abstract
Excessive exercise (EE) is recognized as a significant factor in the etiology, development, and maintenance of eating disorders (EDs) and is thought to serve the functions of mood modulation and weight control. Although EDs typically develop during adolescence, the majority of research on EE in ED patients focuses on its relation to psychological variables in adult samples. The present study examined relationships between psychological and demographic variables and EE in 151 adolescents with EDs using a logistic regression model. The individual contribution of each variable in predicting EE was assessed while controlling for other variables. It was hypothesized that there would be significant positive associations between depression, anxiety, dietary restraint, higher level of care and EE and negative associations between BMI, age, and EE. An association between diagnosis and EE was also hypothesized. The association between parent relationship status and EE and the prevalence of other ED behaviors was explored. Dietary restraint and BMI were significantly and positively associated with EE while controlling for other variables. For BMI and EE, this association was in the opposite direction of what was hypothesized. This suggests the importance of monitoring caloric intake and BMI when assessing EE during ED treatment. For descriptive statistics, 217 adolescents were included. Forty-seven percent of participants endorsed EE, while 38% endorsed binge eating, 35% vomiting, 15% laxative use, and 2% diuretics. Adolescents might have an easier time accessing exercise in comparison to other ED behaviors. Future research should employ research designs that examine directional associations between variables and EE and identify treatment targets to reduce the prevalence of EE. Providers from multiple disciplines should work together to assess and treat EE using behavioral treatment strategies.