INDECS, Vol. 24 No. 3, 2026.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.7906/indecs.24.3.9
Exploring Exercise Dependence and Perfectionism across Age
Irena Canjuga
; University North, Varaždin, Croatia
Melanija Pomper
; Hospital for Extended Treatment and Palliative Care, Novi Marof, Croatia
Maroje Višić
; Libertas International University, Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Lončarić Kelečić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2517-3082
; Libertas International University, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
This study examined the association between exercise dependence and perfectionism in a physically active Croatian sample, with age considered as a developmental variable. A cross-sectional design was applied using data from 117 adults engaged in regular physical activity. Exercise dependence was assessed using the Exercise Dependence Scale-21, and perfectionism was measured with the Burns’ Perfectionism Scale. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, partial correlation controlling for age, and multiple regression analyses were conducted.
A small-to-moderate positive association was observed between exercise dependence and perfectionism. Age showed a small negative association with exercise dependence, whereas its association with perfectionism did not reach statistical significance. The relationship between exercise dependence and perfectionism remained evident after controlling for age. Regression analyses further indicated that the two constructs were independently associated, each explaining a modest proportion of variance in the other, whereas the contribution of age was limited.
These findings support a dimensional understanding of exercise dependence as embedded within broader personality and self-regulatory processes. Rather than representing an isolated behavioural excess, maladaptive exercise engagement appears to be linked to rigid self-evaluative tendencies. The findings emphasise the significance of combining personality and developmental viewpoints when studying excessive exercise behaviours.
Keywords
exercise dependence; perfectionism; age; behavioural regulation; physically active adults
Hrčak ID:
346092
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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