Qualitative Research on the Experiences of Exercise-Addicted Individuals

With the increasing scholarly focus on exercise addiction, the lived experiences of individuals affected by this condition remain underexplored. Existing studies have predominantly concentrated on screening tools and quantitative scale outcomes, often failing to thoroughly examine the causal relationships and the lived realities associated with exercise addiction. This underscores the importance of conducting qualitative and in-depth investigations to develop a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Accordingly, this study aims to provide an alternative to the predominantly quantitative focus in the literature by analyzing the perspectives and experiences of individuals with exercise addiction and offering new insights into its psychosocial dynamics. Designed from a phenomenological perspective, the study collected data through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview form. The study group consists of 8 individuals residing in Malatya who identify themselves as exercise addicts. Findings revealed that while participants initially engaged in exercise for health and emotional benefits, their habits evolved into compulsive behaviors characterized by excessive frequency, prolonged durations, and withdrawal symptoms when unable to exercise. This addiction led to paradoxical effects, providing initial well-being but eventually causing physical exhaustion, psychological distress, and disruptions in social relationships. These results underscore the need for increased awareness, the development of diagnostic criteria, and the implementation of interventions to balance the benefits of exercise with strategies to prevent addiction.