Motivations for running and eating attitudes in obligatory versus nonobligatory runners.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the association between motivations to run and eating disturbances in a sample of obligatory and nonobligatory runners.


METHODS
240 males and 84 females were evaluated for running habits, motivations for running, and eating and weight concerns. 26.2% of the men and 25% of the women were classified as obligatory runners.


RESULTS
Obligatory runners were more motivated to run by negative factors such as guilt for stopping, scored significantly higher on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), and had lower weights. These effects were strongest in women.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that female obligatory runners may be at increased risk for eating disorders.
Slay
H A
HA
Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Hayaki
J
J
Napolitano
M A
MA
Brownell
K D
KD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012420:Running / Q000523:psychology*