The predictive ability of perfectionistic traits and self-presentational styles in relation to exercise dependence

• We examine if different dimensions of perfectionism predict exercise dependence.
• Gym users completed paper-and-pencil measures of the variables of interest.
• Self-oriented perfectionism was a unique predictor of exercise dependence.
• Perfectionistic self-presentational styles were correlated with exercise dependence.
• Perfectionistic self-presentational styles also had incremental predictive ability.

Exercise dependence is a harmful pattern of exercise behaviour that research suggests is associated with trait perfectionism. The current study extends previous research by examining the relationship between symptoms of exercise dependence, trait perfectionism (self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented perfectionism) and perfectionistic self-presentational styles (perfectionistic self-promotion, non display of imperfection, and non disclosure of imperfection). In doing so, we examined the unique predictive ability of the three trait dimensions of perfectionism; the relationship between perfectionistic self-presentational styles and exercise dependence symptoms; and the incremental predictive ability of perfectionistic self-presentational styles beyond trait perfectionism. Two-hundred and forty-eight gym members (age M = 25.74, SD 11.39, range 18–75) completed paper-and-pencil measures of the variables of interest. Analyses revealed that of the traits, self-oriented perfectionism was the most important unique predictor of exercise dependence. In addition, perfectionistic self-presentational styles were all positively related to symptoms of exercise dependence. Finally, after controlling for trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentational styles explained additional variance in four of seven symptoms of exercise dependence (withdrawal, lack of control, reduction, and time). The findings suggest that, beyond exhibiting trait perfectionism, when exercisers are committed to portraying an image of perfection it may contribute to an unhealthy commitment to exercise.