The Relationship Between Weight Status and Social and Leisure Participation in Middle School Aged Students
Graduation Date
2010
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Abstract
This study examined the differences in social and leisure participation between overweight and non-overweight middle school-aged children at James Denman Middle School in South San Francisco. California. Researchers also explored the perceived barriers to social and leisure participation for middle school-aged children to contribute to the growing body of research on pediatric obesity. Thirty-three students participated in this study, twenty-one girls and twelve boys. BMI calculations were used to place students into two categories: non-overweight and overweight. A modified version of the Pediatric Interest Profiles developed by Alexis D. Henry. ScD. OTR/L. FAOTA was used to collect data regarding the participants' leisure and social participation. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlations.
There was a significant relationship (p=.038) between BMI and the frequency of participation in social activities. There was also a statistically significant difference between overweight and non-overweight children in enjoyment of indoor activities (p=.06) and the self-perceived performance in social activities (p=.020). Across all categories, time and nowhere to play were the most frequent reported barriers to participation in leisure activities.
Obesity has both immediate and long-term health implications that are linked to decreased performance and participation in meaningful occupations across the lifespan. The results of this study are consistent with previous research that links childhood obesity to decreased physical activity and social withdrawal. Understanding how perceived barriers to participation in social and leisure occupational engagement may lead to effective interventions for pediatric obesity within the health community.