(PS6-A7) Exercise Frequency and Motivations Interacting to Predict Maladaptive and Healthy Exercise Behavior

Recent operationalizations of disordered eating include maladaptive exercise (e.g., compulsive exercise), yet definitions of maladaptive exercise vary. Underlying motivations for exercise may determine the extent to which exercise is maladaptive, regardless of exercise frequency. Extrinsic (i.e., exercise for body image, social recognition) and intrinsic motivations (i.e., exercise for health, skills, social affiliation) are associated with negative and positive affective outcomes, respectively. This study investigated extrinsic and intrinsic motivation as independent moderators of the associations between exercise frequency and 1) problematic (i.e., compulsive exercise, weight/shape exercise) and 2) healthy exercise. A total of 441 university students (50.9% female; 67.0% White) completed measures of intrinsic and extrinsic exercise motivations (Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire), exercise frequency (sum of weekly exercise-cardio, strength, mixed-modal, and flexibility/stability training), compulsive exercise, weight/shape exercise, and healthy exercise (Exercise and Eating Disorder Questionnaire). While moderation effects were not observed for compulsive exercise, main effects of frequency (b=.04, p< .01) and extrinsic motivation (b=.27, p< .01) emerged. Intrinsic motivation moderated the association between frequency and weight/shape exercise (b=-.02, p=.03) and healthy exercise (b=-.02, p=.03). Among individuals with lower intrinsic motivation, greater frequency was related to more weight/shape exercise and more healthy exercise. Simple slopes were not significant for individuals reporting high intrinsic motivation. Greater extrinsic motivation also was related to more weight/shape exercise (b=.63, p</em>< .01). Extrinsic motivation, regardless of frequency, appears to be associated with maladaptive exercise behavior. Intrinsic motivation may have a more complex relationship with frequency and behavior, such that only weak intrinsic motivation may be associated with exercise behavior. Clinically, assessing the extent to which exercise is extrinsic in nature within a cognitive-behavioral framework may be important to identify problematic exercise behavior. Intrinsic motivation may not protect against maladaptive exercise; however, additional research is needed. Results support the importance of including underlying motivation in definitions of maladaptive exercise. Additionally, exercise motivations should be assessed among clients at-risk of experiencing maladaptive exercise, in an attempt to prevent engagement in these harmful behaviors. As maladaptive exercise is more prevalent among individuals experiencing disordered eating, incorporating psychoeducation regarding exercise motivations into Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E) could yield beneficial treatment outcomes.