Date of Award
2012
Document Status
Open Access
Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to describe the relationship between self-efficacy and social support among overweight and obese adolescents at a weight-management camp. Twenty-three participants completed a pre- and post-camp questionnaire based on modified versions of the GSE Scale and the SSQSR. Additionally, seven females and six males engaged in focus group discussion at the beginning and at the end of camp. Statistical analysis of the modified GSE Scale and SSQSR surveys was completed. Dialogue and field notes from focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed by the researchers to develop themes. Throughout discussion, participants identified the ways in which their family and friends demonstrated support, perceptions pertaining to weight management, barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the ways in which participants planned on changing health-related behaviors. Quantitative and qualitative analysis revealed that participants’ level of self-efficacy and social support increased between the beginning and the end of camp. Researchers acknowledge that further research could be completed to evaluate the success of similar interventions among larger and more diverse populations of overweight and obese youth. This may lead to a better understanding of the key components to include in weight-management programs. Such knowledge and understanding may assist in the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices among obese adolescents.
ScholarWorks Citation
Bastianello, Jenna; Epkey, Matt; and McMullin, Katy, "The Nature of Social Support: Self-Efficacy in Overweight and Obese Adolescents" (2012). Mental Health. 1.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ot_mental_health/1
