The development and validation of the exercise dependence questionnaire

The aim of the present study was to develop and validate the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ). 86 statements, derived from semi structured questionnaires, were used to develop a self report rating scale which was completed by 449 subjects who exercised for more than 4 hours a week. Factor analysis was used and items not loading onto any factors (<0.6), that loaded onto more than one factor or intercorrelated greater than 0.6 were rejected from the analysis. The final EDQ consisted of 29 items and eight factors; interference with social/family/work life, positive reward withdrawal symptoms, exercise for weight control, insight into problem, exercise for social reasons, exercise for health reasons and stereotyped behaviour. These factors were shown to have good internal reliability. The questionnaire was then partially validated against the Eating Attitudes Test, the Profile of Mood States factors; depression, anxiety fatigue and vigour, perceptions of control over behaviour and characteristics of exercise behaviour.