The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Psychosocial Health in Adolescent Girls and Their Mothers
Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: In most western countries, obesity and sedentary behavior are a major health concern. Research demonstrates a clear connection between one's physical and emotional health (e.g., body image) and as such, many community programs now focus on the "whole person" rather than just physical wellbeing. When looking at the population as a whole, the most health disparate group is adolescent girls. Compared to any other cohort, adolescent girls are the most sedentary, obese, and likely to suffer from psychosocial distress such as anxiety and/or depression. As a result, there is a need for further research into adolescent girls' physical and emotional health. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate Smart Fit Girls, a program aimed at improving adolescent girls' health. A secondary purpose of this study was to better understand how social comparison and mother/daughter relationships influence adolescent girls' health. Quantitative (surveys), qualitative (focus groups), and mixed-methods (embedded design) methodologies were used in this study. Findings indicate that 1) the Smart Fit Girls program was successful in improving participants' body image, 2) mothers have a strong influence over their daughters' health and while they recognize this, they do not know how to best discuss health concerns with their daughters, and 3) physical activity prototypes influence adolescent girls' willingness to be physically active but social comparison does not influence this relationship. This study demonstrates that intentional programming can positively influence the health of adolescent girls.
Source: TigerPrints (Clemson University)
Author: Kellie Walters
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2767794557