Social and Leisure Participation of Middle School Students: Comparing Non Overweight and Overweight 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 cross-sectional descriptive study investigated if there were differences in social and leisure participation between healthy weight and overweight middle school students at an elementary school located in Stockton California. Twenty-eight students participated in the study with average age 12 years 5 months (SD 1.12) for boys and 12 years 2 months (SD 12 years 2months) for girls. Participant’s height and weight measurements were collected to calculate body mass index. The Preteen Play profile was used for students in grade 6 and 7, and the Adolescent Leisure Interest Profile was used with students in grades 8 to collect data that provide an understanding of the participant’s perspective regarding her/his leisure and social participation. Questions regarding perceived barriers to leisure participation were included in the profiles. Data was analyzed by calculating the means of the scores, the use of descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlations. No statistical significant differences were found in the leisure occupations of healthy weight and overweight students. However, a substantial number of students in both weight categories demonstrated reduced variety of leisure activities, and limited time in more active leisure. The results of the study highlight the importance of reducing environmental barriers for children living in low socioeconomic status neighborhood in order to increase participation in outdoor leisure activities and reduce the incidence of pediatric obesity.