African American girls' perceptions of health, obesity and recreation

Obesity and inactivity rates of African American girls are high. However, little research has been conducted that examines how girls conceptualize health, recreation and obesity. Girls have received multiple messages about health from the media and at school. It is important to examine whether leisure service agencies have a role to play in addressing the high rates of obesity. Furthermore, because the rates of inactivity are also high, it is necessary for researchers to understand the types of activities that African American girls desire. This dissertation examined how African American girls understand and create meanings for health, obesity and recreation. Based on a constructivist framework, this research focused on the girls perceptions of themselves, their peers, and leisure service agencies. This research has implications for both practice and theory. Leisure service professionals will benefit from understanding how girls conceptualize these terms and also better understand the types of activities that they can offer to the girls. Theoretically, we can better understand cultural differences that emerge and whether concepts may have different meanings in other cultures.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Burk, Brooke N.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shinew, Kimberly J.
• Stodolska, Monika
• Piedra, Lissette M.
• Son, Julie S.

• African American
• girls
• youth
• health
• obesity
• recreation

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Brooke N. Burk

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/26169

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/26169