Investigation of the relationship between exercise addiction and social appearance anxiety levels of fitness individuals

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between exercise addiction and social appearance anxiety levels among individuals engaged in fitness activities, as well as to investigate this relationship in terms of various demographic and behavioral variables. A correlational survey model was employed in the study. The research population consisted of individuals who attend fitness centers in Yozgat, Türkiye. The sample included 400 participants aged 18 and over, selected through a convenience sampling method from this population. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form developed by the researcher, the Exercise Dependence Scale, and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 24 software. After examining the normality of data distribution, t-tests were conducted for binary comparisons, while ANOVA tests were applied for comparisons among three or more groups. In addition, correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationships between the variables. The results revealed statistically significant differences in exercise addiction levels according to gender, income level, exercise duration, weekly exercise frequency, perceived quality of life, and perceived exercise addiction. Furthermore, significant differences were found in social appearance anxiety levels according to age, educational status, marital status, income level, exercise duration, interference of exercise with daily activities, perceived quality of life, perceived health status, satisfaction with physical appearance, and post-exercise pain perception. Additionally, a moderate positive correlation was found between exercise addiction and social appearance anxiety levels.