Date Approved
5-7-2009
Embargo Period
3-17-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in School Psychology
Department
Educational Services and Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Dihoff, Roberta
Subject(s)
Obesity--New Jersey--Psychological aspects; Overweight children--New Jersey
Disciplines
Educational Psychology
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity in the United States can be considered alarming, given its dramatic increase over the past twenty years. A large percentage of the obese population suffers from both medical and psychological side effects. This study focused on how non-obese and obese individuals perceive one's own body. Based on research, it was hypothesized that obese individuals are more likely than non-obese individuals to perceive one's body negatively. It was also hypothesized that obese individuals who suffer from childhood onset obesity as opposed to adult onset obesity are more likely to perceive one's body negatively. Participants were recruited from a medical office located in a middle-upper class suburban town of South Jersey. Body shape attitudes were attained through the Body Shape Questionnaire. Through a One-Way ANOVA, it was found that non-obese females view their bodies more favorably than obese females. No significant results were found to support a relationship between childhood and adult onset obesity.
Recommended Citation
Hasheminejad, S. Shahed, "An exploration of obesity: childhood onset obesity and adult onset obesity" (2009). Theses and Dissertations. 623.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/623
