Date Approved
5-5-2014
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Spencer, Leslie
Subject(s)
Obesity in adolescence
Disciplines
Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration
Abstract
The primary purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the experiences of obese adolescents and to investigate middle and high school students' attitudes toward obese students. During phase one, quantitative data was collected through the Attitude Toward Obese Persons (ATOP) survey. The survey research sample was 1448 middle and high school students. The quantitative data was analyzed through cross gender and grade level comparisons. Results indicated both female and male students in middle school and high school have a slightly positive attitude toward obese students. During phase two, qualitative data was collected through focus groups with 5 middle school boys and one on one interviews with 2 middle school girls. Phase two findings revealed emergent themes of experiences within sports, school, and family for male adolescent participants and friends, school, and family for female adolescent participants. All participants described detailed experiences they face as a result of their overweight status. Implications were suggested for the Southern New Jersey school district board of education and future researchers.
Recommended Citation
Benavides, Julie, "An exploration of the lived social, emotional, and academic experiences of obese adolescents within three conceptual frameworks using mixed methods research" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 363.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/363
