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Psychosocial etiology of maladaptive exercise and its role in eating disorders: A systematic review
Author(s) -
Gorrell Sasha,
Flatt Rachael E.,
Bulik Cynthia M.,
Le Grange Daniel
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.23524
Subject(s) - psychosocial , eating disorders , psychology , clinical psychology , anorexia nervosa , psychotherapist , affect (linguistics) , communication
Objective Although maladaptive exercise (ME) is widely recognized as a clinical feature in transdiagnostic eating disorders, less is known about psychosocial factors that give rise to and perpetuate this behavior. This systematic review aimed to examine the empirical status of this association. Method We reviewed 46 full text articles examining longitudinal associations between psychosocial variables and ME. Results Eighteen studies met full inclusion criteria. Based on our qualitative synthesis, evidence suggests reasonably consistent associations between early concern with weight and shape, and negative affect on later development of ME. Discussion Inconsistent and insufficient assessment of ME across a majority of studies underscores caution in interpretation of results, but guides important discussion for future clinical and research efforts.