Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity

Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Richardson, Laura A., Ph.D.
Language:English
Published: University of Akron / OhioLINK 2016
Subjects:
Health Sciences
Obesity
Exercise Science
Q Methodology
weightism
Online Access:http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460644039
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spelling ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-akron14606440392021-08-03T06:35:32Z Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity Richardson, Laura A., Ph.D. Health Sciences Obesity Exercise Science Q Methodology weightism The prevalence of obesity stigmatization and discrimination is powerful, socially acceptable and widely under-explored. It has been well documented over the past two decades that people of size are targets of discrimination. With the escalating trend of obesity and vast documentation of weightism, future exercise professionals will treat and assist many patients of size. This study investigated the views of students’ towards obesity and weight management treatments in a first year Exercise Science course. Q Methodology was chosen as a method to explore and measure students’ subjectivity. Measuring subjectivity can be difficult to quantify especially when addressing sensitive material such as negative or discriminatory perspectives. The statement of the problem consists of a two-fold agenda exploring students’ views and implementing Q Methodology as a needs assessment to identify areas of obesity education that may be considered for potential modifications within Exercise Science curricula. This study aims to empirically assess differing views and report first-year university students’ perspectives of obesity, within an introductory exercise science course, as a starting point to determine if additional educational strategies should be implemented within the undergraduate exercise science curricula. Providing a robust education for pre-professional students is critical and in the process, it is a priority to help minimize possible obesity bias and discrimination. Understanding and evaluating students’ views towards course content material promptly during the undergraduate studies may significantly facilitate threading awareness and exposure of weightism early and continuously throughout the undergraduate program. It is essential for students (pre-professionals) to be educated regarding extensive issues of obesity care while being sensitive to treatment options. Identifying discriminatory or unconscious bias among students is the first step. Subsequently, developing mechanisms and strategies for educators to increase bias awareness for obesity acceptance must follow.The focus on students’ subjective perspectives related to obesity has received unduly scare attention in previous studies. This lack of attention may be partially caused by difficulties in measuring subjectivity. This current study addresses the challenge by developing an analytical approach using a robust concourse that increases the precision of exploring views. This study will reveal first-year university students’ views of obesity and demonstrate how Q Methodology can be used as a needs assessment tool in Exercise Science undergraduate program. 2016-06-09 English text University of Akron / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460644039 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460644039 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.
collection NDLTD
language English
sources NDLTD
topic Health Sciences
Obesity
Exercise Science
Q Methodology
weightism
spellingShingle Health Sciences
Obesity
Exercise Science
Q Methodology
weightism

Richardson, Laura A., Ph.D.
Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity
author Richardson, Laura A., Ph.D.
author_facet Richardson, Laura A., Ph.D.
author_sort Richardson, Laura A., Ph.D.
title Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity
title_short Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity
title_full Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity
title_fullStr Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity
title_full_unstemmed Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity
title_sort weightism: an exploration of university exercise science students' views of obesity
publisher University of Akron / OhioLINK
publishDate 2016
url http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460644039
work_keys_str_mv AT richardsonlauraaphd weightismanexplorationofuniversityexercisesciencestudentsviewsofobesity
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