TWO STEPS FORWARD ONE STEP BACK? DELAY DISCOUNTING OF MONEY AND RUNNING IN MARATHON RUNNERS

Abstract

Delay discounting and physical exercise tend to be independently explored, despite the increasing role of both areas within substance abuse research. Delay discounting is primarily used to uncover addiction related phenomena, whereas physical exercise is studied as a treatment for substance abuse. Few studies, however, have evaluated delay discounting and physical exercise within the context of substance use. Further, samples with a narrow range of fitness are often used, a problem that is compounded by not measuring discounting for exercise related rewards. In the current study, 40 ultra, full, or half-marathon runners completed a Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and a modified version of the MCQ using minutes of running as the reward (RCQ). Participants were asked how many minutes of running were worth $100 to them (Running valuation) and to report their weekly number of alcoholic drinks consumed. Minutes of running was discounted at significantly higher rates than money. Interestingly, higher relative rates of discounting on the RCQ and higher running valuation were significantly associated with fewer alcoholic drinks consumed per week. Individuals who exhibited this pattern were also more likely to display lower rates of discounting for money in contrast to those with lower rates of discounting on the RCQ and lower running valuation. Although promising, future research with clinical populations is needed in order to make more firm conclusions regarding discounting and physical exercise.