Poster Presentations - Guzman Lecture Hall
The Association Between Obesity and Secondary Educational Success
Location
Guzman Lecture Hall Poster #2
Start Date
4-24-2015 10:30 AM
End Date
4-24-2015 11:30 AM
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor(s)
Jaclynn Davis, Ph.D.
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
“In 2007, more than 6 million students in the United States between the ages of 16 and 24 years dropped out of high school, putting them at risk for lifetime economic, social, and health disadvantages” (Ruglis, 2010, p. 1565). High secondary school dropout rates can be attributed to a number of socioeconomic factors, but recent research has shown there is also a link between obesity and delays in graduation. The first semester capstone project involved creating a literature review that links the association between adolescent obesity and secondary educational success. Findings include that while males generally have a higher dropout rate than females, obese females have a lower on time high school graduation rate than obese males. In addition, evidence showed the stigmatization towards obesity lowered the self-esteem of students, so the lack of social support and confidence within the educational institution made them disengaged, which led to dropouts.
Based on this, I will be conducting primary research to view various adults’ perceptions on obese students’ engagement and success in school. I will compile a list of questions that I will present when I interview high school teachers, physical education/sports instructors, continuation school personnel, and afterschool enrichment leaders. Their responses will be recorded and be combined with secondary research that details Marin County obese students’ engagement and academic success. The results will be used to better understand the needs of these students and the barriers that they face and incorporate them into intervention planning.
The Association Between Obesity and Secondary Educational Success
Guzman Lecture Hall Poster #2
“In 2007, more than 6 million students in the United States between the ages of 16 and 24 years dropped out of high school, putting them at risk for lifetime economic, social, and health disadvantages” (Ruglis, 2010, p. 1565). High secondary school dropout rates can be attributed to a number of socioeconomic factors, but recent research has shown there is also a link between obesity and delays in graduation. The first semester capstone project involved creating a literature review that links the association between adolescent obesity and secondary educational success. Findings include that while males generally have a higher dropout rate than females, obese females have a lower on time high school graduation rate than obese males. In addition, evidence showed the stigmatization towards obesity lowered the self-esteem of students, so the lack of social support and confidence within the educational institution made them disengaged, which led to dropouts.
Based on this, I will be conducting primary research to view various adults’ perceptions on obese students’ engagement and success in school. I will compile a list of questions that I will present when I interview high school teachers, physical education/sports instructors, continuation school personnel, and afterschool enrichment leaders. Their responses will be recorded and be combined with secondary research that details Marin County obese students’ engagement and academic success. The results will be used to better understand the needs of these students and the barriers that they face and incorporate them into intervention planning.