earticle

영어

This study aims to use the qualitative study method to find out the process, pattern and tendency towards exercise addiction in athletes who have symptoms of exercise addiction. There are 9 objects in this study: 3 cyclists, 3 golfers and 3 inline skaters. We selected those who recognize they have exercise addiction by using purposeful sampling. The data was gathered with in-depth interviews and participants’ observation and was processed through content analysis. As the result of this study, participants understand that exercise addiction causes inconvenience in business and everyday life and also has positive and negative effects on physical and mental views due to relying excessively on exercise. The case of exercise addiction shows that the interest and the need for exercise is motivated by exercise participation at first and then by suggestions from others to exercise. After that, they reach the affection and immersion level of exercise through the experience of positive effects on their physical and mental views and socialization with colleagues. Since then, they reach the level of positive and negative exercise addiction as they get stronger for the affection and immersion on exercise. Moreover, they lose the capacity to control the exercise limit for themselves. Positive exercise addiction is good for physical and mental health and relieves tension, depression and stress. In addition, it gives more energy and serves as a supplement to life with the feeling of achievement, self-confidence and happiness. However, the negative exercise addiction is understood as being a more important part of life than family, society and work. They experience withdrawal symptoms(anxiety, tension and irritation), strong tolerance and dependence which are the main factors for deciding the level of addiction. It shows that they reduce social activity and job performance as well.