Amy Anderson

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2008

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if the South Dakota State University course Wellness 100: Wellness for Life, influenced changes in modifiable behaviors, self-selected by the students, from the introduction of the course to the end of the semester (16 weeks). For example, students may have begun the semester in contemplation and moved into the action stage by the conclusion of the semester. In addition, the barriers and strategies to overcome the behavior (decisional balance) were examined to determine if they correlated with the stage of change. This study examines the model of behavior change implemented in a college classroom environment and determines if long-term maintenance is possible, by examining the processes of a behavioral treatment that has been extremely successful in initiating and sustaining many behavior changes from the six dimensions of wellness (environmental, spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and social), through the Transtheoretical Model of Change. Methods: Data were collected among 54 participants (49 completed the both the pre- and post-assessment and 39 completed both the pre- and postassessment) during the Wellness 100 class in Fall semester (16 weeks) of 2007. Variables measured included pre and post stage movements, barriers and strategies to overcome, and successfulness of the change. Result: The results of the chi-square test revealed no significant difference between those who were classified in the normal teaching lesson plan group and those who were classified in enhanced teaching lesson plan. Successfulness was measured and in the normal classroom group, 56% were successful, while 15% did not achieve their goal. The enhanced classroom group saw a 26% success rate, while 40% did not achieve their goal. Conclusion: The present study supports the validity of the Transtheoretical Model of Change for explaining modifiable behavior. As this study highlights, health professionals must increase awareness but also influence perceptions regarding theoretically based and practically important strategies for behavior change.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

College students -- South Dakota -- Brookings -- Health and hygiene

Health behavior

Behavior modification

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

11

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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