Perception of obese peers and health attitudes in lower secondary school youths
Journal Title: Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu - Year 2012, Vol 18, Issue 4
Abstract
Introduction: The cult of body shape is an ideal promoted by the mass media and induced into minds of humans. As people age, the image of the body becomes even more important. Research shows that even small children have already adopted social bias against those who are obese. Obesity influences all aspects of the health of young people, affects their psyche, interpersonal contacts, self-esteem and general life satisfaction.Objective: To determine the place of health in the hierarchy of values of upper secondary school students, elicit their declarations on health behaviours, as well as indicate the relationship between these variables and the respondents’ perception of obesity among their peers.Materials and methods: The study was conducted among a group of lower secondary school students. The instruments used were the Personal Values List (LWO), which enables placement of health in the hierarchy of values, and the Health Behaviours Inventory (IZZ), used to analyse the health behaviours declared. The data on perception of peer obesity were collected with the aid of a questionnaire.Results: Empirical analyses demonstrated that the population of lower secondary school students displayed low and average figures regarding health behaviours, and that they were aware of the dangers caused by obesity. The majority of respondents (71.42%) believed that the obese youngster is rejected by the group of peers.Conclusions: As proved by the conducted analyses, lower secondary school students perceive their obese peers as lazy, physically unskilled and socially unattractive. Adolescents are particularly sensitive to feedback from their surrounding. A young person wants to feel physically attractive and accepted by the group of peers. Thus, supporting such educational activities as health promotion programmes or health education in schools is essential to shape pro-health attitudes, and build a positive image of oneself as a form of investment in health and the quality of life of future generations.Key words: obesity, health, healthy behaviours
Authors and Affiliations
Anna Witek, Teresa Lewandowska- Kidoń, Agnieszka Pawluk- Skrzypek
Keywords
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