The Effect of Physical Activity and ACE Scores on Psychological vs. Physiological Addiction

Abstract

Brianna N. Hendershot, Chelsea L. Robertson, Ryan T. Koenig, Jason W. Metz

West Liberty University, West Liberty WV.

Abstract

Addiction is a growing problem in the United States. Rehabilitation facilities have exercise as a component of their program, yet these facilities are not always within reach of every addict. Understanding that addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable with integrated treatment methods, it’s imperative to find the root of addictive tendencies. PURPOSE: To determine if there is a triangular relationship between addiction, physical activity, and adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores, looking specifically at psychological and physiological addiction types. METHODS: Data was collected from 25 females and 6 males, recruited from West Liberty University via email. Subjects completed a self-reported online anonymous 4-section survey including basic demographics, The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), The Health-Resiliency-Stress Questionnaire Part D (HRSQ), and addictive tendencies through questions regarding the criteria for psychological and physiological addiction from the DSM. A moderation analysis was used to triangulate the relationship between vigorous exercise, ACE scores, and addiction scores. RESULTS: The moderation variable was vigorous exercise from the past 7 days and ACE scores. Psychological and physiological addiction were correlated at .477, p=0.835, and .590, p=0.097, respectively. Total addiction produced a correlation of .574, p=0.241. CONCLUSION: A moderation analysis revealed no significant data when looking at vigorous exercise, ACE scores, physiological addiction, psychological addiction, and total addiction, showing the need for future research in this field. Looking at specific addictive behaviors objectively may aid in finding the root of addictive tendencies.