Eating Disorders and Exercise: A Structural Equation Modelling Analysis of a Conceptual Model

Objective: Despite the well-established health benefits of physical activity, the role of exercise for eating disorders (ED) is controversial; thus dictating a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms of exercise and ED. The purpose of our study was to examine a conceptual model that hypothesizes regular exercise without psychological compulsion might impart beneficial effects for preventing and treating ED. Method: University students (N = 539) completed self-report assessments of quality of life, exercise level, ED risk and exercise dependence symptoms. Structural equation modelling analysis was undertaken to examine the conceptual model's proposed relationships. Results: Mediation analysis and model comparison tests showed that the partially mediated model without the physical well-being latent construct fit the data best. Discussion: Our results provided initial support for the conceptual model by showing that the psychological benefits, but not the physical benefits, conveyed by exercise were associated with reduced ED risk. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association