ABSTRACT
This chapter will explore the use of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in an exercise milieu, seldom reported in literature. The case concerns Brian, a 19-year-old male exerciser, who displayed high levels of irrational beliefs and exercise dependence symptomatology. Brian’s relationship with exercise evolved through early childhood and adolescent experiences, notably robust thoughts of physical inadequacy. Although Brian’s unhealthy relationship with exercise manifested through his previous experiences, REBT places great emphasis on current cognitions, and therefore explores the present, thus how the irrational beliefs held now were contributing to his maladaptive behaviour. Brian was educated in REBT in a didactic-Socratic manner, in which core principles of REBT were taught and explored in relation to Brian’s exercise behavior. Subsequently, his ABC analysis identified the irrational beliefs underlying his maladaptive behaviors and dysfunctional emotions relating to his exercise dependence symptoms, specifically anxiety and compulsive behavior. This chapter will explore Brian’s systematic journey through the ABCDE model in which irrational beliefs were identified, challenged, and new effective beliefs were developed and reinforced. Furthermore, this chapter will provide insights into the role of irrational and rational beliefs upon symptoms of exercise dependence, with demonstrated guidance and considerations for future practice. Finally, the case will be discussed in reference to mechanisms of change, caveats of applying REBT in exercise milieus and future directions.
