Yuni Astuti, Bekir Erhan Orhan, Aydın Karaçam, Karuppasamy Govindasamy
This study investigates the relationship between physical activity enjoyment and exercise addictionconsidering gender, age, sports licensure, and exercise frequency. Using a correlational survey model and convenience sampling, data were collected from 560 participants (201 females, 359 males, average age 23.52 years) through the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) and the Exercise Addiction Scale (EAS). Resultindicate significant gender differences in exercise addictionwith males scoring higher in overall exercise addiction and its sub-dimensions (excessive focus, emotional changepostponement of social needs). Both genders, howeverreported similar levels of enjoyment from physicaactivities. Licensed athletes exhibited higher scores in both enjoyment and exercise addiction, implying that structuredgoal-oriented routines enhance motivation and adherence to exercise. A positive correlation was found between exercise frequency and both enjoyment and addiction. A significant negative correlation between age and exercise addiction suggests younger individuals are more prone to addiction, while enjoyment of physical activities remainconsistent across age groups. The strong relationship between physical activity enjoyment and exercise addiction underscores the role of intrinsic motivation in maintaining high levels of physical activity, which can potentially lead to dependence. These findings highlight the need fotailored interventions that promote healthy exercise habit, and address specific demographic factors to enhance effectiveness. Future research should further explore these relationships to develop comprehensive strategies for lifelong physical activity. © 2024 by authors, all rights reserved.
Faculty of Sport Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia; Faculty of Sports Sciences, Istanbul Aydın University, Turkey; Faculty of Sports Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Turkey; Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India
