ERIC Number: EJ1085311
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2333-4851
EISSN: N/A
Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Reality Television: The Biggest Loser Case Study
Barry, Adam E.; Piazza-Gardner, Anna K.
Journal of Health Education Teaching, v3 n1 p20-26 2012
This teaching idea presents a heuristic example using reality television as a tool for applying health behavior theory. It utilizes The Biggest Loser (TBL) to provide "real world" cases depicting how individuals progress through/experience the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Observing TBL contestants provides students practice grounding actions of patients/program participants in health behavior theoretical constructs. Understanding which TTM stage an individual resides in provides a framework from which change strategies and overall health recommendations can be tailored to unique needs and context. Incorporating reality television in health education classrooms allows students to become engaged/stimulated while also fostering the conceptual link between course work and reality.
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Health Education, Programming (Broadcast), Models, Competition, Patients, Case Studies, Body Weight, Guidelines, Course Descriptions
Journal of Health Education Teaching. 9563 Wedge Way, Delmar, MD 21875. Tel: 443-880-0394; e-mail: JofHET@yahoo.com; Web site: http://jhetonline.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A