[...] This term paper aims at summarizing the knowledge base about this relatively young subject of investigation that is endurance addiction, representative of sports addiction. Due to the limited focus of this paper, the subject of addiction in risky sports with its very specific characteristics of “pushing boundaries” and “looking for adventure” cannot be included. Likewise, addiction in the bodybuilding sport has to be left out of the discussion. Since sports addiction and herewith endurance addiction is considered a behavioral addiction, it is imperative to first define the term behavioral addiction. Subsequently, the phenomenology of running addiction will be presented extensively, more precisely by deriving a definition in conjunction with the determination of diagnostic criteria. Then the circumstances that can be conducive to sports addiction and the causes of sports addiction are discussed. Another point of interest is the topic of withdrawal symptoms occurring addiction-specifically with refraining from sports. Subsequently, the question about therapeutic approaches and therapy possibilities should be raised. [...]
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Behavioral addiction as a disorder – an attempt at defining it
III. Endurance addiction
1. Example
2. Definition and phenomenology
2.1. Category I
2.2. Category II
2.3. Category III
2.4. Healthy vs. pathological exercising
3. Diagnostics
4. Circumstances fostering endurance addiction
5. Causes
5.1. Physiological approaches
5.2 Psychological approaches
6. Withdrawal symptoms
7. Therapy
IV. Conclusion
Objectives & Topics
This paper examines the phenomenon of sports addiction, focusing specifically on endurance addiction. It aims to define behavioral addiction, explore the phenomenology of the disorder, analyze potential physiological and psychological causes, identify diagnostic criteria, and evaluate therapeutic approaches for affected individuals.
- Definition and classification of behavioral addictions.
- The phenomenology and diagnostic criteria of endurance addiction.
- Physiological hypotheses regarding the "runner’s high".
- Psychological explanations, including the concept of "flow" and self-worth compensation.
- Withdrawal symptoms and therapeutic management strategies.
Excerpt from the book
2. Definition and phenomenology
The attempts to define sports addiction are various. The first definitions of sports addiction exclusively referred to (long distance) running. It is striking, that the most diverse definitions can essentially be divided in three categories, which in their intrinsic values step by step build on each other. The most pertinent definitions will be presented in fragments, using three categories of choice, whereby the last category can be considered current scientific state-of-the-art.
2.1. Category I
The first category comprises all the definitions referring to a positive, respectively negative subdivision of sports addiction. These definitions are the first in an attempt to define sports addiction. In 1976, Glaser distinguished between positive and negative sports addiction. A positive addiction involving sports could manifest itself through activities like running, while negative addictions would be connected to harmful substances like drugs. The positively sports-addicted individual falls into a “trance-like, transcendental mental state”. Consequently, the positive addiction would be a good thing for a human being, due to the increase in mental fortitude and the fun factor. In contrast to negative addiction, the life of the affected is not dominated, although psychological and physiological discomfort does occur, if the activity cannot be executed. Three years later, this concept was challenged by Morgan, who pointed to the continuation of a sport despite of negative effects on the health.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: This chapter introduces the phenomenon of sports addiction, noting its rise as a subject of investigation alongside the increasing popularity of endurance sports in Western society.
II. Behavioral addiction as a disorder – an attempt at defining it: This section establishes a theoretical framework for behavioral addiction, detailing criteria such as excessive duration, frequency, and loss of control, and notes the lack of formal recognition in standard psychological classification systems.
III. Endurance addiction: This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of endurance addiction, covering its phenomenology, diagnostic criteria, potential physiological and psychological causes, withdrawal symptoms, and therapeutic possibilities.
IV. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the current state of research, highlighting that while diagnostic criteria have been formulated, the exact causes remain complex and partially controversial, necessitating further empirical study.
Keywords
Sports addiction, Endurance addiction, Behavioral addiction, Pathological exercising, Runner’s high, Endorphin hypothesis, Flow-state, Withdrawal symptoms, Diagnostics, Psychological approaches, Physiological causes, Therapy, Performance principle, Self-worth, Impulse control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the phenomenon of sports addiction, specifically examining endurance addiction as a form of non-substance-related behavioral addiction.
What are the central themes covered?
Key themes include the definition and classification of behavioral addictions, the diagnostics of excessive exercising, the etiology of sports addiction, and the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms.
What is the research goal?
The goal is to summarize the existing knowledge base regarding endurance addiction, analyze its causes, and identify the current understanding of its diagnostic and therapeutic requirements.
Which scientific methods are used?
The study relies on a review of existing literature, including psychological studies, monographs, and expert reports to synthesize the current status of research on sports addiction.
What is discussed in the main body?
The main body explores the phenomenology of endurance addiction, contrasts healthy vs. pathological exercise, evaluates physiological models (like the endorphin hypothesis) and psychological models (like flow-states), and discusses withdrawal symptoms and therapeutic interventions.
How is this work characterized?
The work is characterized as a descriptive summary of a relatively young field of study, emphasizing the lack of empirical consensus regarding the specific causes of sports addiction.
How is a "primary" vs. "secondary" sports addiction defined?
According to Veale, a primary sports addiction is an independent disorder defined by a mental preoccupation with sport, while a secondary sports addiction occurs in association with an eating disorder.
Why are physiological explanations for sports addiction considered controversial?
They are controversial because empirical data, such as the proof of endorphin release during extreme exertion, is inconsistent or lacking, leading researchers to favor psychological explanations like the "flow-state."
What is the role of withdrawal symptoms in this context?
Withdrawal symptoms are treated as a critical diagnostic indicator, showing that even small interruptions in training can lead to significant psychological and physical distress for the addicted athlete.
Why is therapy for sports addicts often difficult to initiate?
Therapy is difficult because sports are often perceived as health-promoting and positive; consequently, many affected individuals do not recognize their excessive exercising as a pathologically limiting disorder.
- Citation du texte
- Marc Castillon (Auteur), 2007, The Phenomenon of Sports Addiction, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/284166
