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Exploring the relationship between physical activity, gender, social media and orthorexia nervosa in university students

Gabriel, S. (2021) Exploring the relationship between physical activity, gender, social media and orthorexia nervosa in university students.

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Abstract:Objective. The present study aimed to explore associations between physical activity (PA), social media, gender and orthorexia nervosa (ON) in university students. Method. Two hundred thirty-two international students (Mage=21.52, SD=2.52; 193 female and 39 male) participated in this study, recruited through convenience sampling. Participants completed a cross-sectional online survey with emphasis on socio-demographic data, physical activity and social media. In addition, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form (IPAQ-SF), ORTO-15 questionnaire and Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) were used to assess PA, ON- and exercise addiction (EA) tendencies. Results. The prevalence of ON was 69.4% (N=184) and 7.3% (N=17) for EA. PA was significantly associated with EA and ON tendencies. Further, there were gender differences in ON; males had higher ON tendencies than females. Moreover, social media content about PA was significantly associated with ON. Conclusion. PA and social media are critical factors regarding ON. This study shows that these factors are associated with ON-related symptoms in university students. Implications of ON as a mental health concern are further discussed. Keywords: physical activity, gender, social media, orthorexia nervosa, exercise addiction
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/86800
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