Psychological effects of running loss on consistent runners.
This study examined the psychological effects of running loss upon consistent runners. We compared a group of 30 "Prevented Runners" who were unable to run for at least two weeks with a group of 30 "Continuing Runners" who ran without interruption on the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Zung Depression Scale, and a Running Information questionnaire. We found that Prevented Runners displayed significantly greater symptoms of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, confusion, over-all mood disturbance, and lower self-esteem than did Continuing Runners. Deprivation of running may result in withdrawal symptoms of psychological distress for consistent runners who rely on running as a coping strategy for stress reduction and who feel dependent upon the psychological reinforcements of running.
Chan
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Human Services Center, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston 02125.
Grossman
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D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012420:Running; D012649:Self Concept