Vigorexia: from exercise addiction to a nosological independent entity

Author(s): 

José Miguel Rodríguez Molina y María Frenzi Rabito Alcón
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Abstract: 

In the last few years an excessive concern for the corporal beauty and an authentic obsession for the health have risen to the point of a cult as a symbol of perfection (even to the point of managing to fall ill). The aim of this study is to review of Bigorexia's construct, to establish a differential diagnosis with Exercise Dependecy and others disorders, as well as the relationship that supports Body Image Disorder and the possible comorbidity of the above mentioned disorder with other Personality Disorders. We tested the theoretical model proposed across an analysis of hierarchical multiple .A cross-sectional study based on self-report was used to screen people who go usually to the gym and have high-risk to develop Bigorexia. The sample size was of 85 people from Spain between the ages of 15 and 54 years. The instruments included: TBV, TOC, ACQ and MCMI- II. Later we tested the theoretical model proposed across an analysis of hierarchical multiple regression, where the dependent variable measured up to two different forms. Bigorexia seems to be an independent entity. It is approved in the theoretical proposed model and seems to have comorbidity between certain psychopathologycal characteristics of personality (hypomania, narcissism and compulsivity) and the Bigorexia. The comorbidity is not being significant with obsessive trends.

Keywords: 
Bigorexia, Exercise Dependence, Body Image, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Muscular Dysmorphia.
ISSN: 
ISSN: 1578-5319
Date: 
2011
Reference: 

Rodríguez, J.M. y Rabito, M.F. (2011). Vigorexia: de la adicción al ejercicio a entidad nosológica independiente. Health and Addictions, 11(1), 95-114.

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