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Topic

Body Image and Identity as Moderators of the Relationship between Regular Exercise and Exercise Dependence

School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education

Date & location

• Wednesday, April 15, 2026
• 9:00 A.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Ryan Rhodes, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, ̽��ϵ�� (Supervisor)
• Dr. Megan Ames, Department of Psychology, UVic (Outside Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Linda Trinh, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Peter Dukes, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, UVic

Abstract

Background: While the benefits of regular physical activity (PA) are well established across health and educational research, the potential harms associated with excessive exercise have received comparatively less attention. Exercise dependence (EDep) is a dysfunctional behaviour characterized by loss of control over excessive exercise behaviour which are also accompanied by psychological, physical and social issues. Existing research has largely focused on psychological constructs such as body image (BI) and exercise identity (EI) as univariate correlates of EDep with less attention on how they might interact with other individual factors. Thus, the present study investigated the main and moderating effects of BI and EI in the relationship between regular exercise and risk for EDep. It also explored the lived experiences and challenges of individuals at higher risk for EDep.

Method: Regularly active adults (N = 172; 40% females, 5% gender diverse; mean age = 30.5) were assessed via questionnaire data (anxiety, depression, exercise levels, body image, exercise identity, eating disorder symptomology) and then again at a two-week follow-up (EDep risk). Inclusion criteria included being aged 18-39, meeting Canadian guidelines for PA, and living within Canada.

Results: Linear regression analyses revealed that BI and EI did not moderate the relationship between regular exercise and EDep risk. However, EI and some BI variables (negative affect & social dependence) showed main effects on EDep. Minutes of strenuous exercise also showed a main effect on EDep within the BI regression analysis. Further, due to an insufficient number of participants qualifying as symptomatic and at risk of EDep (n=8, 5%), analyzing primary and secondary EDep and their respective BI and EI levels was not possible. Qualitative analyses revealed exercise as a non-negotiable part of routine, BI as a central motivator, difficulties balancing health and excess, and some variability in the centrality of exercise to EI.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that BI and EI exert direct effects on EDep risk, though not moderating effects between minutes of strenuous exercise and EDep. Future research should examine additional contextual and interpersonal variables and further integrate qualitative approaches to better understand diverse pathways to EDep. Further, the current research corroborates prior literature identifying BI and EI as salient psychological facets relating to EDep. Future intervention approaches may benefit from shifting maladaptive beliefs around BI and EI to improve treatment efficacy.