Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATIONEvaluating a Targeted, Universal Middle School Program for Childhood Overweight and Obesity: StayingFitbyMyra AltmanDoctor of Philosophy in PsychologyWashington University in St. Louis, 2016Professor Denise E. Wilfley, ChairpersonChildhood obesity is a pressing public health concern associated with significant medical and psychosocial comorbidities. Intervention is crucial, and schools are often suggested as an important venue through which to intervene, although the results of such interventions are inconsistent and mixed. The present study sought to expand on the literature by evaluating the effect of a targeted and universal school-based obesity intervention, StayingFit, in three middle schools in a low-socioeconomic status, rural community. The intervention was tested in both a cluster-randomized (Study 1) and pre-post (Study 2) design. StayingFit was largely ineffective in creating changes in relative weight, behavior, or psychosocial outcomes. Possible reasons for the ineffectiveness of the intervention include the nature of the population and community, insufficient use of behavioral strategies and technology, limited program duration, low completion rates, and lack of parental engagement. Further research is needed to design multi-level and multi-sector interventions that can create meaningful change in high-risk communities.

Committee Chair

Denise E. Wilfley

Committee Members

Thomas Rodenaugh, Michael J. Strube, Deanna Barch, Barr C. Taylor,

Comments

Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7K936ZS

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Author's Department

Psychology

Author's School

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

Summer 8-15-2017

Language

English (en)

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Psychology Commons

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