The Relationship Between Weight Status, Quality of Life, and Social and Leisure Participation in Middle School Aged Children: A Mixed Methods Study
Graduation Date
2011
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
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between weight status, social and leisure participation, and quality of life. This study used a non- experimental, sequential mixed method explanatory design. Nine participants between 11-14 years completed the Pediatric Interest Profile or Adolescent Leisure Interest Profile and the PedsQLIM4.0. Participants’ BMI scores were calculated from height and weight measurements. Seven participants participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants reported the lowest scores in frequency, skill and enjoyment of outdoor activities and the highest scores in social and indoor activities. Participants were motivated to engage in activities for the positive emotional experience. Limitations in the research are the BMI scale, participant reports, and small sample size. Results were consistent with current literature which reported a correlation between positive emotional and behavioral adjustments with time children spent participating in hobbies.