Understanding Exercise Addiction in Women: Exploring the Impact of Sociodemographic Variables

Bekir Erhan Orhan; Walaa Alkasasbeh; Aydın Karaçam

Bekir Erhan Orhan¹, Walaa Alkasasbeh², Aydın Karaçam³

¹Istanbul Aydın University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
²Department of Administration and Curriculum, Faculty of Arts and Educational Sciencies, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
³Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Balıkesir, Türkiye

Understanding Exercise Addiction in Women: Exploring the Impact of Sociodemographic Variables

Monten. J. Sports Sci. Med. 2025, 14(2), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/mjssm.250904

Abstract

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of exercise addiction among women, employing a descriptive survey model to elucidate how certain demographic variables influence this behavioural condition. An online survey was conducted with 429 women using a convenience sampling method. The survey was conducted in Türkiye, ensuring a culturally relevant examination of exercise addiction among Turkish women and providing insights into how local sociocultural factors influence addictive exercise behaviours. The study deployed the “Exercise Addiction Scale (EAS)” alongside a personal information form to gather age, marital status, education level, and sports licensing data. Demographic analysis shows that the highest level of education for 43.4% of participants is a high school diploma, 46.2% an undergraduate degree, and 10.5% a postgraduate degree; also, 36.1% have a sports license, and 61.1% are single. The study found a complex interplay of sociodemographic factors influencing exercise addiction. Findings underscore the significance of tailored prevention and treatment strategies that consider unique pressures and contexts faced by different groups. Findings suggest unmarried women are at higher risk, underscoring the need for interventions addressing social support deficits. Additionally, structured training environments and performance-driven pressures may contribute to compulsive exercise patterns in athletes, highlighting the necessity of routine psychological screenings. This research highlights the necessity for targeted psychological and social support interventions and calls for further studies to investigate causal relationships and the impact of interventions over time, aiming to mitigate risks associated with exercise addiction and promote healthier lifestyle choices throughout the various stages of a woman's life. Future studies should explore longitudinal designs to establish causality and conduct comparative gender analyses to examine broader patterns in exercise addiction.

Keywords

Exercise Addiction, Women's Health, Behavioural Addiction, Psychological Support

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