Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Irene Tessaro

Committee Chair

Irene Tessaro

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate adolescent perceptions of overweight and physical activity. Focus groups were used to collect information. Eight age- and gender- specific focus groups consisting of 48 participants (10 middle school males, 10 middle school females, 15 high school males, and 13 high school females). Perceptions of overweight, benefits, barriers and facilitators to being physically active were gathered among the groups and compared using age and gender. Males and females were found to differ in their overweight perceptions, perceived benefits of physical activity, their activity preferences, and barriers to physical activity. High school aged adolescents and middle schools adolescents were found to differ regarding their perceived benefits, barriers and facilitators to physical activity. These data can help guide future research and develop age- and gender- specific interventions targeting physical activity change in adolescents

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