Browsing by Subject "School Psychology"
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Item Body Image, Depressed Mood, Weight Concerns, and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Female Adolescents(2006-05-01) Marshall, Khiya J.Marshall, Khiya J., Body Image, Depressed Mood, Weight Concerns, and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Female Adolescents. Doctor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), May 2006, 75 pp., 17 tables, bibliography, 90 titles. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and growth, both emotionally and physically, particularly for adolescent females. The literature lacks specific research pertaining to female adolescent females. The literature lacks specific research pertaining to female adolescent’s body image and other concerns and their association with risky sexual behaviors. Using secondary data from the 2003 Dallas Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS; 9th-12th grade), this study explored the relationship between body image, having a depressed mood, and weight control behaviors and how these may translate into risky sexual behaviors among Dallas Independent School District (DISD) adolescent females. Most respondents were African American and Hispanic. The main hypotheses were: a) African American and Hispanic adolescent females will be more likely to have a depressed mood, an unrealistic body image, or weight control behaviors compared to Caucasian adolescent females; and b) Adolescents with unrealistic body image, depressed mood, and weight control behaviors will be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, regardless of race or ethnicity. As hypothesized, more African American and Hispanic adolescents had a depressed mood, and more Hispanics had an unrealistic body image compared to Caucasians. The hypothesis that depressed mood and unrealistic body image would be significant predictors of engaging in risky sexual behaviors was corroborated only for depressed mood. Engaging in weight control, although hypothesized as not a significant predictor, was a significant predictor for using alcohol/drugs before his last sexual intercourse. School-based sexual education programs that target adolescent females in DISD should focus on abstinence or consistent condom use if sexually active, weight control behaviors, and depressed mood and its implications.Item Evaluation of Mental Health Association of Tarrant County's School Based Mental Health Curriculum: Focus Group and Results(2005-04-01) Nanji-Bhai, Anila K.; Sue Lurie; Claudia S. Coggin; Kristine LykensNanji-Bhai, Anila K., Evaluation of Mental Health Association of Tarrant County’s School Based Mental Health Curriculum: Focus Group and Results. Master of Public Health (Community Health), April 2005, 31 pp., references. There are presently numerous research findings that indicate the need for mental health education among the adolescent population within the United States. In the last decade, tragedies such as the Columbine school shooting, and most recently the Red Lake school shootings in Minnesota point to the fact that adolescents are facing mental pressures and need assistance. In this study, a mental health curriculum, developed by the Mental Health Association of Tarrant County, was examined through the use of focus groups. The group was asked to analyze and comment on the curriculum, as to the age-appropriateness, the “appeal,” and to suggest improvements or revisions. The qualitative data that was gathered was analyzed using NVivo. Results showed a strong opposition to this type of program being brought into the school setting. As the focus group sessions continued however, the curriculum was adapted based on the participants’ comments and suggestions. In the end, the curriculum was accepted by the participants as a program that would be welcomed in schools. Conclusions were that when the proposed curriculum was modified according to the focus group participants’ comments and suggestions; particularly concerning TEKS objectives, the curriculum became more acceptable and a viable opportunity for the school districts.Item The Effects of a School-Based Intervention on the Physical Activity Behaviors of Latino High School Students(2004-05-01) Pena, Eva; Balcazar, Hector; Lurie, Sue; Morrow, James R.Pena, Eva, The Effects of a School-Based Intervention on the Physical Activity Behaviors of Latino High School Students. Master of Public Health (Community Health), May 2004, 66 pp., 5 tables, 2 illustrations, 6 titles. The study was to determine if a culturally appropriate school-based intervention increases self-reported levels of physical activity (PA) in 9th grade Latinos. A culturally appropriate intervention could help Latino youth adopt and maintain PA. Students from two primarily Latino schools served as subjects. Experimental students received a modified form of Salud Para Su Corazon, a Latino community-based cardiovascular health initiative. Questions from CDC’s YRBSS were used to measure PA changes. A 3-way mixed model ANOVA was used investigate the effect of pre-post, treatment, and gender on self-reported days of participation in moderate (M) and vigorous (V) PA. Students reported increased M and V PA at the post-test compared to the pre-test. The experimental students tended to report greater increases in V PA following intervention compared to controls. Males reported higher levels of V PA than females. Results suggest some potential effect on student PA behaviors as a result of the intervention.