ERIC Number: EJ871103
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 53
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
Behavioral Intention and Behavior toward the Obese on a College Campus: An Exploratory Analysis of Discriminatory Behavior
Irwin, Carol; Symons, Cynthia W.; Kerr, Dianne L.
American Journal of Health Education, v40 n2 p106-117 Mar-Apr 2009
Background: Discriminatory behavior toward the obese is ubiquitous, which can lead to psychological conditions that exacerbate physical repercussions. Purpose: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examined the link between college students' behavioral intention and self-reported behavior toward the obese. Possible connections with demographic variables were explored. Methods: Students at one university participated (n=718). Two scales were developed; one measured behavioral intention--College Obesity Behavioral Intention Scale (COBIS); one measured behavior--College Obesity Behavior Scale (COBS). Alphas fell in the acceptable to excellent range for both instruments. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation (r=0.6642; P=0.001) between the COBIS and COBS. Linear regression was significant (R2=0.4412; P=0.001). A significant regression model (P=0.001) consisting of age group, sex, and BMI status by COBIS and COBS scores was found. Discussion: Behavioral intention among subjects had a significant impact on how they behaved toward the obese. Predictor characteristics for this discriminatory behavior are being male, younger-aged (18-25 years), and have an underweight or normal Body Mass Index (BMI). Translation to Health Education Practice: Further research could identify other TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls) that can shape behavioral intention toward the obese among college students. (Contains 5 tables and 3 figures.)
Descriptors: College Students, Obesity, Body Composition, Age, Health Education, Intention, Measures (Individuals), Regression (Statistics), Social Discrimination, Mental Health, Correlation, Scores, Body Weight, Student Behavior, Student Attitudes
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

Peer reviewed
Direct link
