EXERCISE ADDICTION

Background: Exercise, while generally beneficial, can become compulsive and addictive, negatively impacting an athlete’s physical and psychological health. Understanding the prevalence of this condition and its relationship with key well-being indicators is crucial for identifying at-risk individuals and developing effective intervention strategies among athletic populations. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of exercise addiction among amateur athletes and examine the association between exercise addiction, psychological well-being (specifically depression, anxiety, and stress), and perceived social support within this population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study utilizing a consecutive sampling technique to recruit a sample of amateur athletes from the University of Benin. Data were collected using three standardized self-report instruments: the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ). Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence, while inferential statistics, such as correlation analysis, were employed to explore the association between the variables. Results: The study identified a quantifiable prevalence of exercise addiction among the amateur athletes. Significant associations were found, indicating that increased levels of exercise addiction were positively correlated with higher levels of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress). Conversely, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between exercise addiction and the level of perceived social support. Conclusion: Exercise addiction is a significant issue among amateur athletes at the University of Benin and is strongly associated with poor psychological well-being and reduced social support. These findings highlight the need for screening for exercise addiction in sports settings and incorporating psychological support and social network strategies into athlete welfare programs to mitigate the associated risks.