School-based program to promote healthy body image and self esteem in boys and girls
Date
2010
Authors
MacDonald, Tiare M., author
Rickard, Kathryn, advisor
Siez, Robert, committee member
Henry, Kimberly, committee member
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Abstract
Early adolescence is associated with an increase in body dissatisfaction in girls and boys. A number of school-based interventions have been designed to address body dissatisfaction; however most of these programs have focused on the concerns of girls. This study aimed to build on previous research on body image concerns, self-esteem, and pubertal timing, as well as develop and measure the effectiveness of a school-based program to promote healthy body image and self esteem. Participants were fifty-five seventh grade students. Results did not reveal significant group x time interactions. However, analyses in the overall sample indicated negative associations between self esteem and body dissatisfaction, self esteem and internalization of the sociocultural ideal, as well as positive intercorrelations between body dissatisfaction, drive for muscularity, and internalization of the sociocultural ideal. In girls, BMI was positively related to body dissatisfaction and internalization of the sociocultural ideal, and drive for muscularity was found to be negatively related to self esteem.
Description
Department Head: Ernest L. Chavez.