Exploring Exercise Addiction, Self-Esteem, and Early Maladaptive Schemas: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Female University Students.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Although physical exercise provides numerous health benefits, it can occasionally become addictive, leading to negative consequences for physical and mental health. Specifically, the role of maladaptive schemas in the relationship between exercise addiction and self-esteem underscores the importance of addressing these cognitive patterns in therapeutic settings to develop practical interventions that enhance exercise with healthier self-perceptions. This study aims to analyze the role of early maladaptive schemas in the relationship between exercise addiction and self-esteem.

Methods: The design of this study is non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional. The sample comprised 788 university women students (mean age 20.39 years, SD = 2.28).

Results: Exercise addiction is negatively associated with self-esteem and shows positive but weak correlations with most early maladaptive schemas, except for Impaired Autonomy. A mediating effect was identified for Disconnection and Rejection (β = -0.08, p = 0.008), Impaired Limits (β = -0.03, p = 0.019), Other Directedness (β = -0.04, p = 0.032), and Over-Vigilance and Inhibition (β = -0.05, p < 0.001). Full mediation was observed for Disconnection and Rejection and Over-Vigilance and Inhibition, while Impaired Limits and Other Directedness showed partial mediation.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the decrease in self-esteem among individuals with exercise addiction could be explained by the activation of maladaptive schemas that influence exercise motivation, with Over-Vigilance and Inhibition standing out in particular. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based interventions focused on modifying early maladaptive schemas and strengthening self-esteem. Additionally, it would be advisable to implement educational programs in university and sports settings that promote well-being and enjoyment over the pursuit of external validation or obsession with body image. These strategies could help prevent exercise addiction and mitigate its negative effects on self-esteem.