An assessment of perceived parental influence and adolescence eating and physical activity behaviors among African American and Hispanic students
by Morgan, Alison, Ed.D., TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 2008, 125 pages; 3327033

Abstract:

A total of 309 adolescents ages 11-14 were administered the Adolescent Eating and Physical Activity Questionnaire (AEPAQ) in order to assess and gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between perceived parental influence and specific adolescent health behaviors such as physical activity and eating habits. These adolescents were recruited from a middle school in a suburban school district in the Northern New Jersey region of the United States. The sample included predominantly African Americans and Hispanics.

Adolescents completed measures of their current eating and physical activity behaviors and their perceptions of their parents influence over those behaviors. Their weights, heights and BMI were obtained as well. Weak associations between adolescents' and their perceptions of parental influence over their health behaviors were exhibited. However, some significant correlations were observed between specific aspects of perceived parental influence and specific adolescent self-report eating and physical activity behaviors.

The results of this study indicated that body/weight satisfaction is a predictor for BMI. Adolescents with higher BMI scores had higher satisfaction with their body and weight. Results also indicated that grade and race are predictors of perceived parental control and restrictions. As students went up in grade their perceptions of parental control decreased. As adolescents get older their perceptions of parental control and restrictions decrease.

Findings from this study, which are consistent with research indicate that as adolescents get older they show a greater sense of independence and autonomy. This sense of independence and autonomy includes making their own decisions regarding the types of food and portion size they eat both at and away from home. Health educators should include a component on decision-making skills, which could help to promote better decision making around healthy food choices. This would allow adolescents to implement better self-care with regard to eating and physical activity behavior.

 
AdviserBarbara C. Wallace
SchoolTEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 69-08, p. , Dec 2008
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsBlack studies; Nutrition; Public health; Health education; Hispanic American studies
Publication Number3327033
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