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

Richardson, Laura A, Ph.D.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460644039

Abstract Details

2016, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Secondary Education.
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.
Lisa Lenhart, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Sue Ramlo, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Judith Juvavic-Heltzel , Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Gary Holliday, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Shannon Perkins, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
177 p.
Health Sciences
Obesity; Exercise Science; Q Methodology; weightism;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Richardson, L. A. (2016). Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460644039

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Richardson, Laura. Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity. 2016. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460644039.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Richardson, Laura. "Weightism: An Exploration of University Exercise Science Students' Views of Obesity." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460644039

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1460644039
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© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.