CHAPTER 15

Extreme Forms of Everyday Behaviors: Exercising, Working, and Web Surfing

Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter you should know The nature, characteristics, and consequences of extreme forms of everyday behaviors. The nature and characteristics of overworking and of the overworked. The nature and characteristics of computer and Internet addiction. The nature and characteristics of extreme sports. Some theoretical explanations of workaholism, computer addiction, and extreme sports participation.

Types of Extreme Addictions

Workaholism. An addiction to work, the compulsion or the uncontrollable need to work incessantly. Internet addiction disorder. Compulsive use of the Internet with evidence of disturbed and irritated behavior when access is denied, including withdrawal symptoms and the loss of emotional control; an emerging disorder suffered by people who find the virtual reality on computer screens more attractive than everyday reality. Extreme sports. Forms of competitive and recreational activities that range from high-risk, potentially life-threatening events to sports that test the endurance of the participants.

Machlowitzs Four Types of Workaholics

Dedicated workaholics Integrated workaholics Diffused workaholics Intense workaholics

Behavioral Patterns of Workaholics

Compulsive-dependent Driven to work. Unable to control their need to work incessantly. Not working causes anxiety. Perfectionist Characterized by their need to be in control of their work situation as well as all other aspects of their lives. Tends to be to be inflexible and rigid. Focuses on details, rules, and lists. Often resort to aggressive and domineering tactics to control the work of their colleagues

Behavioral Patterns of Workaholics (continued)

Achievement-oriented Have a strong desire for upward occupational mobility. Strongly committed to their careers. Highly competitive. Driven by the need to succeed. Strive for excellence and recognition as leaders in their fields.

Robinsons Four Types of Workaholics

Relentless workaholic Bulimic workaholic Attention-deficit workaholic Savoring workaholic

Characteristics of Workaholics
Workaholics have strong self-doubts. Workaholics prefer labor to leisure. Workaholics can, and do, work anytime and anywhere. Workaholics make the most of their time. Workaholics blur the distinctions between business and pleasure.

Overworking Patterns and Trends

One in four American workers report they are often or very often burned out by their work and consider their jobs to be the worst stressor in their lives. Three in four Americans believe workers today suffer more on-the-job stress than workers a generation ago. Work-related problems result in more illness than any other source of stress, more than financial or family problems.

Overworking Patterns and Trends (continued)

The average American works the equivalent of an astonishing eight weeks a year longer than the average western European. In Norway and Sweden, ordinary workers get four to six weeks of vacation and up to a year of paid parental leave. The average Japanese businessperson takes only half his or her paid holidays.

Components of Internet Addiction

Excessive use Withdrawal Tolerance Negative repercussions

Symptoms of Computer Addiction

Using the computer for pleasure, gratification, or relief from stress. Feeling irritable and out of control or depressed when not using it. Spending increased amounts of time and money on hardware, software, magazines, and computer-related activities. Neglecting work, school, or family obligations.

Symptoms of Computer Addiction (continued)

Lying about the amount of time spent on computer activities. Risking loss of career goals, educational objectives, and personal relationships. Failing at repeated efforts to control computer use.

Types of Internet Addiction

Cybersexual addiction Cyberaffair/relational addiction Net compulsions Information overload

Internet Addiction Patterns and Trends

About 7 in 10 office workers use the Internet for personal reasons during work hours. Internet addiction is particularly high among persons who suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, social phobias, and other compulsive disorders. Cyber sex addiction, online affairs, and online gaming are the most common forms of Internet addiction. Children who are addicted to the Internet also are more likely to suffer from depression, have schoolrelated problems, and are more apt to develop physical illness and obesity. ReStart, the first Internet addiction treatment center in the United States opened in 2009 near the headquarters of Microsoft.

Definition of Extreme Sports

Contains an element of danger Are individualistic attempts to master an activity, often through unexpected or creative ways, with the individuals oftentimes interested in breaking records or exceeding previous limitations of human endeavor Are closely connected to a young and alternative subculture

Examples of Extreme Sports

Ultraman marathons BASE jumping Ironman Triathlon Eco-challenge Race Across America Rock climbing Street-luge racing Sky surfing Bungee jumping Sky flying

Zuckermans Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSSV)

Used to assess the willingness to participate in nonconventional or high-risk behaviors. Includes four subscales Thrill and adventure seeking Experience Seeking Disinhibition Boredom susceptibility Individuals who engage in high-risk sports and athletic events typically score very high on the SSSV.

Table 152 Explanations of Extreme Forms of Everyday Behavior

Table 152 (continued)