Document Type : Original Research
Authors
1
Department of Educational Psychology, Roudhen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudhen, Iran
2
Department of sport science, Faculty of human science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Objective: This study used meta-analysis to synthesize and analyze the existing evidence on the relationship between psychological variables and exercise addiction in Iran.
Method: The present study included 14 correlational studies published between 2011 and 2024 in Iran. To select studies, criteria such as using valid instruments, providing sufficient data to calculate the effect size, and conducting the study in a correlational manner were considered. The sources reviewed included articles published in domestic scientific journals and theses available in the databases of Normags, Magiran, Comprehensive Portal of Human Sciences, Alamnet, Civica, Jihad Daneshgahi, and Irandoc. After screening, the data were analyzed using CMA2 software.
Findings: The combined effect size in the fixed effects model was 0.302 and in the random effects model was 0.273 (P<0.05). and the observed effect sizes ranged from -0.060 to 0.845. To examine publication bias, Orwin’s Fail-safe N, Begg and Mazumdar, and Egger’s tests were used. The results showed that adding 8491 studies with no effect would eliminate significant results. The strongest variables, such as dysfunctional attitudes (r = 0.845), emotional regulation problems (r = 0.740), and self-transcendence (r = 0.579), had significant positive effects. The weakest significant variables included bystander stress (r = 0.110) and perseverance (r = 0.171). Psychological needs, narcissism, depression, self-direction, and amotivation had no significant effects. The meta-regression plot showed that there was no significant relationship between the year of publication and Fisher’s effect size (Z); the slope of the line was approximately zero and without a clear direction. This indicates the relative stability of the effect over time and the reduced possibility of time bias, which strengthens the validity and generalizability of the results.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that a wide range of psychological variables are associated with exercise addiction. The findings also highlight the importance of psychological variables in exercise addiction and provide implications for future research.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)