Relationship between exercise dependence symptoms and personality

Despite the increased interest in exercise dependence, there is limited research examining the personality characteristics of exercise dependent individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between personality and primary exercise dependence symptoms. Participants were 390 university students who completed multidimensional assessments of personality, exercise dependence, and exercise behavior. To examine the predictive relationship of personality for exercise dependence symptoms hierarchical regressions with forced block entry were undertaken. In Block 1, exercise dependence was regressed on exercise behavior. In Block 2, the personality subscales (neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness) were entered into the regression. It was found that extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness predicted exercise dependence symptoms. Further examining the relationship between personality and exercise dependence symptoms may aid in identifying at-risk individuals.