Susan Wood

Publication Date

1993

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

King, Sondra L.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Human and Family Resources

LCSH

Women--Nutrition--Psychological aspects; Body image; Self-perception in women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare weight preoccupation, fitness perception and body mass index (BMI) in nutrition and non-nutrition majors in college women. A questionnaire was developed to gather information on factors related to weight preoccupation, feelings of physical fitness, and actual weight versus perceived weight. The Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), developed by Cash, and the Nine-Figure Ratings Scale, developed by Stunkard and Sorensen, were employed. Thirty-three nutrition majors and fifty-four nonnutrition majors, in a mid-western public university, participated in this study. Their heights and weights were measured by the investigator to determine body mass index, which estimates relative body composition. The null hypothesis that nutrition majors do not have greater weight concerns than non-nutrition majors could not be rejected, as there was no significant difference between the groups. The second hypothesis that nutrition majors do not have greater dissatisfaction in their physical appearance than non-majors could be rejected as the two groups differed significantly in four measures of appearance satisfaction. In general, the majors were more satisfied. The third hypothesis that nutrition majors do not perceive themselves as being less physically fit than non-nutrition majors could not be rejected, as there was no significant difference between the groups.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [32]-33)

Extent

v, 72 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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