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Voices of obese and overweight adolescents with low self-worth : reasons and impact of their negative self-perceptions
Author
Chua, Li Lian
Supervisor
Tan, Harry
Abstract
This study aims to look into the reasons and impact of the negative self-perceptions of obese and overweight adolescents with low self-worth. The sample was delimited to 98 Trim and Fit (TAF) club members (49 males and 49 females) h m a single neighbourhood secondary school.
Harter's (1988) 'Self-perception profile for adolescents' which taps perceptions of six specific domains, namely 'Scholastic Competence', 'Social Acceptance', 'Athletic Competence', 'Physical Appearance', 'Behavioural Conduct' and 'Close Friendship', as well as 'Global Self-Worth', was used to assess the participants' self-worth. Ten individuals with the lowest self-worth scores were interviewed. A semi-structured interview guide, consisting of a list of questions formalised in accordance to the domains was employed. Analysis of the transcripts was triangulated with that of their self-perception profiles.
The findings of the study enabled a better understanding of the reasons and impact of low self-worth in obese and overweight adolescents in Singaporean neighbourhood schools. Detailed thoughts and experiences shared by the participants brought forth insights to specific incidents, underlying issues and the possible consequences of their low self-worth in the various domains. In cases where conditions are akin to those found in the study, current practices or interventions may be reviewed to provide a more sensitive, encouraging and less judgmental environment for such individuals.
Harter's (1988) 'Self-perception profile for adolescents' which taps perceptions of six specific domains, namely 'Scholastic Competence', 'Social Acceptance', 'Athletic Competence', 'Physical Appearance', 'Behavioural Conduct' and 'Close Friendship', as well as 'Global Self-Worth', was used to assess the participants' self-worth. Ten individuals with the lowest self-worth scores were interviewed. A semi-structured interview guide, consisting of a list of questions formalised in accordance to the domains was employed. Analysis of the transcripts was triangulated with that of their self-perception profiles.
The findings of the study enabled a better understanding of the reasons and impact of low self-worth in obese and overweight adolescents in Singaporean neighbourhood schools. Detailed thoughts and experiences shared by the participants brought forth insights to specific incidents, underlying issues and the possible consequences of their low self-worth in the various domains. In cases where conditions are akin to those found in the study, current practices or interventions may be reviewed to provide a more sensitive, encouraging and less judgmental environment for such individuals.
Date Issued
2004
Call Number
BF724.3.S35 Chu
Date Submitted
2004