Abstract

Exercise is often conceptualized as a protective factor for mental health, including for individuals exposed to trauma. However, less is known about whether exercise may relate to posttraumatic stress symptoms differently when it is accompanied by compulsive or addictive features. The present study examined whether volume and intensity of physical activity were associated with posttraumatic stress symptom severity indirectly through exercise addiction symptoms. This secondary cross-sectional analysis included 557 adults living in the United States who reported regular participation in sport or physical activity. Participants completed self-report measures of physical activity behavior, exercise addiction symptoms, trauma exposure, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results indicated that physical activity quantity alone was not directly associated with posttraumatic stress symptom severity. However, exercise addiction symptoms were positively associated with posttraumatic stress symptom severity. Significant indirect associations were found for vigorous physical activity and walking, such that higher levels of these activities were associated with greater exercise addiction symptoms, which in turn were associated with greater posttraumatic stress symptom severity. No significant indirect association was found for moderate physical activity. These findings suggest that the relationship between physical activity and posttraumatic stress may depend less on the amount of activity and more on whether exercise is practiced in a flexible or compulsive manner. The study highlights the importance of assessing exercise addiction symptoms when considering exercise as a coping strategy.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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