Turns out good/elite distance runners have low depression, neuroticism, and anger with higher emotial stability

Training Advice/Discussion General

13 years ago 09/02/2010 7:01pm EDT

Seems that over the years psychologist have shown that good/elite distance runners tend to be less depressed, show lower anger, score lower on neuroticism and show higher vigor and more emotional stability. Seems to me that this is the opposite of the average LetsRun poster. This leads me to believe that most people on here are failed runners who lacked the mental fortitude and now like to snipe from the sidelines.

Selected References:

Raglin, J.S. (2001) Psychological factors in sports performance: the mental health model revisted. Sports Med. 31:875-90.

Morgan, W.P., Pollock, M. (1977) Psychologic characterization of the elite distance runners. Ann NY Acad Sci, 301: 382-403.

Morgan,W.P., Costill, D.L. (1996) Selected Psychological Characteristics and Health Behaviors of Aging Marathon Runners: A Longitudinal Study. Int. J. Sports Med, 17: 305-13.

13 years ago 09/02/2010 7:08pm EDT

re: Aghast

Aghast wrote:
Seems that over the years psychologist have shown that good/elite distance runners tend to be less depressed, show lower anger, score lower on neuroticism and show higher vigor and more emotional stability. Seems to me that this is the opposite of the average LetsRun poster. This leads me to believe that most people on here are failed runners who lacked the mental fortitude and now like to snipe from the sidelines.
Selected References:
Raglin, J.S. (2001) Psychological factors in sports performance: the mental health model revisted. Sports Med. 31:875-90.
Morgan, W.P., Pollock, M. (1977) Psychologic characterization of the elite distance runners. Ann NY Acad Sci, 301: 382-403.
Morgan,W.P., Costill, D.L. (1996) Selected Psychological Characteristics and Health Behaviors of Aging Marathon Runners: A Longitudinal Study. Int. J. Sports Med, 17: 305-13.

I also think it's just a general misconception. You might be right about people on here, but don't forget your bias to remember the bad stuff and not so much the good people on here. A lot of the ones you speak of, the failed runners, are the ones that perpetuate this myth that all runners are crazy, neurotic geeks that have nothing better to do. However, it simply isn't true, but of course, Letsrun has never really been a beacon of truth.

13 years ago 09/02/2010 7:13pm EDT

re: Aghast

High schoolers are not part the focus group of good/elite distance runners that were tested. This leads me to believe that most people on here are youthful wannabe's who lack the mental fortitude and now must snipe from the sidelines.

13 years ago 09/02/2010 9:12pm EDT

re: someone else

You are right. It might be just a small vocal group of disaffected runners who think everybody must be like them.

someone else wrote:
Aghast wrote:
Seems that over the years psychologist have shown that good/elite distance runners tend to be less depressed, show lower anger, score lower on neuroticism and show higher vigor and more emotional stability. Seems to me that this is the opposite of the average LetsRun poster. This leads me to believe that most people on here are failed runners who lacked the mental fortitude and now like to snipe from the sidelines.
Selected References:
Raglin, J.S. (2001) Psychological factors in sports performance: the mental health model revisted. Sports Med. 31:875-90.
Morgan, W.P., Pollock, M. (1977) Psychologic characterization of the elite distance runners. Ann NY Acad Sci, 301: 382-403.
Morgan,W.P., Costill, D.L. (1996) Selected Psychological Characteristics and Health Behaviors of Aging Marathon Runners: A Longitudinal Study. Int. J. Sports Med, 17: 305-13.
I also think it's just a general misconception. You might be right about people on here, but don't forget your bias to remember the bad stuff and not so much the good people on here. A lot of the ones you speak of, the failed runners, are the ones that perpetuate this myth that all runners are crazy, neurotic geeks that have nothing better to do. However, it simply isn't true, but of course, Letsrun has never really been a beacon of truth.

13 years ago 09/02/2010 9:23pm EDT

re: Aghast

You are referencing a study from 1977??

Newsflash...behavioral norms were vastly different three decades ago.

13 years ago 09/02/2010 9:40pm EDT

re: Shrink Wrap

No. 1977, 1996, 2001. All found the same things plus there are plenty more. The paper in 1977 is listed because it is the seminal paper.

Shrink Wrap wrote:
You are referencing a study from 1977??
Newsflash...behavioral norms were vastly different three decades ago.

13 years ago 09/02/2010 10:17pm EDT

re: Aghast

Could you give us a link? Based on the titles, it appears the 1977 study is the only one you reference that supports your thread title.

I'd be happy to take a closer look at your claims if you'd link me up. Don't have time to go Googling tonight.

13 years ago 09/02/2010 10:21pm EDT

re: Shrink Wrap

But you had time to post that?

13 years ago 09/02/2010 10:26pm EDT

re: ihavetosayit

Yep, but I'm multi-tasking...

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Turns out good/elite distance runners have low depression, neuroticism, and anger with higher emotial stability

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