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Examination of a sociocultural model of excessive exercise among male and female adolescents

White, James; Halliwell, Emma

Authors

James White

Emma Halliwell Emma.Halliwell@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Psychology



Abstract

There is substantial evidence that sociocultural pressures and body image disturbances can lead to disordered eating, yet few studies have examined their impact on excessive exercise. The study adapted a sociocultural model for disordered eating to predict excessive exercise using data from boys and girls in early adolescence (N = 421). Perceived sociocultural pressures to lose weight and build muscle, body image disturbance and appearance investment were associated with a compulsive need to exercise. Adolescents' investment in appearance and body image disturbance fully mediated the relationship between sociocultural pressures and a compulsive need for exercise. There was no support for the meditational model in predicting adolescents' frequency or duration of exercise. Results support the sociocultural model as an explanatory model for excessive exercise, but suggest appearance investment and body image disturbance are important mediators of sociocultural pressures. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

White, J., & Halliwell, E. (2010). Examination of a sociocultural model of excessive exercise among male and female adolescents. Body Image, 7(3), 227-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.02.002

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 1, 2010
Journal Body Image
Print ISSN 1740-1445
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 7
Issue 3
Pages 227-233
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.02.002
Keywords excessive exercise, exercise, eating disorders, body image
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/978893
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.02.002