Document Type : Research Article (s)
Authors
Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: The characteristics and consequences of different body ideals are a curriculum content in physical education. However, educational strategies to teach body ideals are scarce. The present study aimed to develop an educational program to boost the ideal body knowledge and its effectiveness on body image in high school students of Shahrekord, Iran.
Methods: This study was conducted using the action research strategy. Female middle school and high school students aged 12 to 17 years in Shahrekord, Iran, and two physical education teachers were selected as participants in this study. The duration of this study was nine months. Qualitative data were collected through field notes from the focus group discussions with the students, students’ daily report booklet, reflective questions, and semi-structured interviews with the physical education teachers. The data were then carefully implemented and analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method.
Results: The findings of the present study were classified as five inclusive categories of body appreciation, body image flexibility, tendency to exercise, improvement of social functioning and sense of competence, and nine organizing categories.
Conclusions: Developing a comprehensive and targeted program on ideal body image for high school students will not only help improve their physical health, but also help strengthen social skills and create healthy habits for the future.
Keywords
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