Propiedades Psicométricas del Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) en una Muestra de Estudiantes Brasileños Universitarios

Examining the reliability of the scores of self-report instruments assessing problematic exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims

Problematic exercise (PE) has mainly been assessed with self-report instruments. However, summarized evidence on the reliability of the scores derived from such instruments has yet to be provided. The present study reports a reliability generalization meta-analysis of six well-known self-report measures of PE (Commitment to Exercise Scale, Compulsive Exercise Test, Exercise Addiction Inventory, Exercise Dependence Questionnaire, Exercise Dependence Scale, and Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire).

Methods

Pooled effect sizes were computed using a random-effect model employing a restricted maximum likelihood estimation method. Univariable and multivariable meta-regressions analyses were employed for testing moderator variables.

Results

Data retrieved from 255 studies (741 independent samples, N = 254,174) identified three main groups of findings: (i) pooled alpha values that, ranging from 0.768 to 0.930 for global scores and from 0.615 to 0.907 for subscale scores, were found to be sensitive to sociodemographic and methodological characteristics; (ii) reliability induction rates of 47.58%; and (iii) the virtually non-existent testing of the assumptions required for the proper applicability of alpha. Data unavailability prevented the provision of summarized reliability estimates in terms of temporal stability.

Discussion

These findings highlight the need to improve reliability reporting of the scores of self-reported instruments of PE in primary studies. This implies providing both prior justification for the appropriateness of the index employed and reliability data for all the subpopulation of interest. The values presented could be used as a reference both for comparisons with those obtained in future primary studies and for correcting measurement-related artefacts in quantitative meta-analytic research concerning PE.

Body and appearance-related self-conscious emotions and exercise addiction in Brazilian adolescents: A person-centred study

The present study aimed to identify profiles of adolescents based upon body and appearance-related self-conscious emotions, and to examine whether these profiles differed from each other in terms of their exercise addiction (EA) symptoms. A sample of 703 Brazilian adolescents (41% girls) completed a self-report questionnaire. The results from a two-step cluster analysis identified four profiles: prideful (19.5%), low self-consciousness (31.7%), moderately high self-consciousness (29.2%), and shameful-guilty (19.6%). The prideful profile was characterized by a greater presence of boys, as well as by higher frequency/intensity levels of exercise than the remaining groups. The shameful-guilty profile was characterized by a greater presence of girls and by higher levels of BMI compared to the remaining groups. Regarding EA symptoms, the results from the ANCOVA/MANCOVA analyses revealed that the prideful profile showed (i) higher salience and tolerance levels than the low-level balanced self-consciousness profile, and (ii) higher salience and lower conflict compared to the shameful-guilty profile. Additionally, the moderately high self-consciousness profile showed (i) higher salience and tolerance levels than the low self-consciousness profile, and (ii) higher salience levels than the shameful-guilty profile. Identifying subgroups on the basis of body appearance-related self-conscious emotions contributes to explaining different EA symptoms in adolescents.

Latent profile analysis of exercise addiction symptoms in Brazilian adolescents: Association with health-related variables

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study is to identify profiles of adolescent exercisers based on exercise addiction symptoms (EA), and to examine differences in several health-related variables potentially related to EA across these profiles.

METHODS

A sample consisting of 618 adolescents, aged from 13 to 17 years, completed a questionnaire assessing EA, exercise characteristics (i.e., frequency and intensity of exercise), depression, body image (i.e., body appreciation and social physique anxiety), and disordered eating (i.e., concerns about eating and body weight gain as well as restrictive and compensatory practices).

RESULTS

The profile analysis identified three EA profiles, which were labelled: low-risk, high-risk with conflict and high-risk without conflict. Based on their scores for the health-related variables considered, the low-risk profile emerged as the least problematic; this increasing in the high-risk without conflict and even more so in the high-risk with conflict profiles. Nevertheless, individuals belonging to the high-risk without conflict profile showed similar body appreciation scores but lower social physique anxiety scores than those belonging to the low-risk profile.

LIMITATIONS

The study is limited by both its cross-sectional design and the self-reported nature of the collected data.

CONCLUSIONS

Conflict symptom may be relevant in explaining the differences in certain health-related variables between adolescents showing similarly high levels of EA.

Prevalence of Risk for Exercise Dependence: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Exercise dependence (EXD) can be considered an addictive behaviour because it presents signs typical of other addictive behaviours. Despite possible health problems related to EXD, the prevalence of risk for EXD has never been systematically reviewed.

OBJECTIVE

This article aimed to systematically review the prevalence of risk for EXD.

METHODS

Studies were identified from searches in the ERIC, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science electronic databases up to June 2018. Empirical studies were selected if (1) they included the outcomes of the prevalence of EXD; (2) participants were regular exercisers; and (3) they were published in either the English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish languages. A total of 34 articles met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The prevalence of risk for EXD was estimated to be between 3 and 7% of regular exercisers and the university student population, and between 6 and 9% of the athlete population.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review indicated that the prevalence of risk for EXD varies with the characteristics of the exerciser, but an overall prevalence of 3-9% is estimated. Risk for EXD is a cause for concern and, from a public health point of view, is a problem that has to be addressed.