Eating disorders and exercise: A structural equation modelling analysis of a conceptual model

Objective Despite the well‐established health benefits of physical activity, the role of exercise for eating disorders (ED) is controversial; thus dictating a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms of exercise and ED. The purpose of our study was to examine a conceptual model that hypothe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European eating disorders review 2011-05, Vol.19 (3), p.216-225
Main Authors: Cook, Brian, Hausenblas, Heather, Tuccitto, Daniel, Giacobbi Jr, Peter R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Compulsive Behavior - psychology
Eating disorders
Exercise
Exercise - psychology
exercise dependence
Feeding and Eating Disorders - psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Mental health
Models, Psychological
physical activity
Prevention
Quality of life
Quality of Life - psychology
Self Report
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Objective Despite the well‐established health benefits of physical activity, the role of exercise for eating disorders (ED) is controversial; thus dictating a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms of exercise and ED. The purpose of our study was to examine a conceptual model that hypothesizes regular exercise without psychological compulsion might impart beneficial effects for preventing and treating ED. Method University students (N = 539) completed self‐report assessments of quality of life, exercise level, ED risk and exercise dependence symptoms. Structural equation modelling analysis was undertaken to examine the conceptual model's proposed relationships. Results Mediation analysis and model comparison tests showed that the partially mediated model without the physical well‐being latent construct fit the data best. Discussion Our results provided initial support for the conceptual model by showing that the psychological benefits, but not the physical benefits, conveyed by exercise were associated with reduced ED risk. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association
ISSN:1072-4133
1099-0968
DOI:10.1002/erv.1111