The Impact of an Obesity Awareness Intervention on Anti-fat Attitudes and Expectations of Preservice Physical Educators

ABSTRACT

Childhood obesity and the decline of physical activity are real concerns for physical educators. Physical educators are in a key position to positively affect physical activity among youth at risk for obesity; however, the presence of an anti-fat bias may inhibit their ability to effectively do so. By addressing anti-fat bias, not only in physical education teacher education curricula but also with current physical educators, these individuals may be better prepared to meet the needs of students who are overweight, thus, hopefully resulting in increased student motivation and participation not only in physical education class but in those students choosing to be active for their lifetime. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a brief obesity awareness intervention could ameliorate anti-fat biases among preservice physical education teachers and, consequently, affect expectations of performance and ability as well as intentions to comply with recommended best practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Anti-fat bias
• performance expectations
• physical education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Catherine A. Tingstrom

Catherine A. Tingstrom is an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico in the Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences. She is the graduate coordinator of adapted physical education and faculty in physical education teacher education.

Elizabeth Nagel

Elizabeth Nagel was previously affiliated with Our Lady of the Lake University.