Nicholls Kate, Ogden Jane
University of Surrey, UK.
J Health Psychol. 2024 Sep 13;30(8):13591053241274471. doi: 10.1177/13591053241274471.
Whilst a substantial body of evidence supports the benefits of exercise for physical and mental health, the overfocus on the benefits of exercise could result in harmful behaviours in some individuals. Conceptualised as a behavioural addiction, research often dichotomises the behaviour through a medical diagnostic model. The present qualitative study explored the meaning of problematic behaviour from the exerciser's perspective. Nineteen UK-based frequent exercisers were interviewed regarding their experiences. Thematic analysis described three themes: 'relentlessly pushing the limits' of their personal best and comparing to others; 'an enabling community' which could promote problematic behaviours; and 'the complexity of the ideal body' focussing on perceptions of weight maintenance. Transcending these themes was the notion of 'rationalising choices'. The results indicate that participants felt that the benefits outweighed the costs, encouraging them to continue, even when causing harm. These findings support the notion of problematic exercise as a continuum, rather than dichotomous.
虽然大量证据支持运动对身心健康有益，但过度关注运动的益处可能会在一些人身上导致有害行为。作为一种行为成瘾被概念化，研究通常通过医学诊断模型将这种行为二分法。本定性研究从锻炼者的角度探讨了问题行为的意义。对19名英国的频繁锻炼者就他们的经历进行了访谈。主题分析描述了三个主题：不断挑战个人最佳极限并与他人比较；一个可能助长问题行为的“有利环境”；以及关注体重维持观念的“理想身体的复杂性”。超越这些主题的是“为选择辩解”的观念。结果表明，参与者认为益处大于代价，这鼓励他们继续下去，即使造成了伤害。这些发现支持了问题锻炼是一个连续体而非二分法的观点。
