The role of gender and age in the development of physical exercise dependence in endurance sports

Exercise dependence is characterized by a lack of ability to resist the urge to continue exercising despite the negative and serious consequences it has on both mental and physical health and in various areas of life. There is no consensus on whether gender is associated with a risk factor for the development of exercise dependence. In the case of age, we found more agreement among authors highlighting youth as a risk factor. The objectives of this study were to analyze gender and age differences in the exercise dependence, emotional regulation, affect, motivation to practice exercise and exercise identity. A mixed method of data collection was used, through quantitative instruments and qualitative strategies, focus groups. Gender differences were found in the symptoms of exercise dependence, which can be used to identify specific maladaptive thoughts and beliefs and apply them in individualized therapeutic interventions.