The Effects of Wellness Education on the Body Image of College Students

Abstract

The effects of a wellness education presentation on body image were investigated. Fifty-seven college men and women completed two questionnaires on body image; one before and one after undergoing skinfold measurement. The participants were divided into two groups: (a) receiving a wellness education program after being assessed, and (b) not receiving a wellness education program after being assessed. The data were analyzed with a multifactor randomized ANOVA. The body-image scores of noneducation group decreased significantly, with no difference between the sexes. The body-image scores of the education group did not decrease significantly for either gender. This study indicated that wellness education incorporated into body composition testing could minimize the negative effects of body composition knowledge on body image.

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