ABSTRACT
The mental and physiological benefits of physical activity are almost undisputed. There is a strong consensus in scientific circles with regard to the value of integrating physical activity in one’s regular lifestyle (Bouchard, Shephard, & Stephens, 1994). However, in isolated cases (a key term throughout this article is isolated cases) physical activity can lead to undesirable or harmful psychological states. Although these states are mostly transient, their impact may have irreversible damage on the life of the individual. The aim of this chapter is by no means to take a stand against physical activity, but simply to discuss the relatively rare circumstances in which exercise or physical activity may inflict substantial or even permanent damage on physically active people. The aim of the chapter is to help the reader become aware of exercise related factors that are associated with psychological dysfunction. It is hoped that knowledge and timely recognition of these factors may prevent the development of ‘unhealthy’ exercise behaviours and their negative consequences.
