39 p.Exercise dependence is a pathological syndrome, commonly seen in runners. Motivational frameworks have been utilized in isolation to understand the psychological mechanisms underpinning this syndrome. However, such theoretical frameworks have not been used in combination. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the relationship of motivational factors, using the combination of achievement goal theory and self- determination theory, with the development of exercise dependence and its symptomalogy. Active runners (N = 215) completed the following measures of achievement goal orientations, psychological needs satisfaction, behavioural regulations and exercise dependence. Logistic regression analyses revealed that ego orientation positively predicted runners to be at risk of exercise dependence (b = 4.78, χ2 (1) = 7.35, p = 0.01) or symptomatic of it (b = 3.39, χ2 (1) = 4.26, p = 0.04). Controlled motivation also positively predicted runners to be exercise dependent (b = 3.27, χ2 (1) = 9.94, p = 0.003) or symptomatic of it (b = 2.86, χ2 (1) = 7.91, p = 0.005). The basic psychological needs were not significant in predicting exercise dependence and its symptomatology. The findings reinforced the applicability of achievement goal orientations and motivational regulations in understanding maladaptive exercise practices. Ego goals and controlled behavioural regulations have a significant relationship to the development of exercise dependence and its symptomalogy. Future research should attempt to analyse any differences in exercise dependence across different types of physical activities with different motivational variables.Bachelor of Science (Sport Science and Management
