The Perception of Health and Wellness Before and After Studying Abroad

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Date

2019

Authors

Sikora, Kimberly Brooke

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine how health perceptions evolve after studying abroad. Information was gathered from background research as well as through a pre and post survey using Qualtrics. Students who were spending their summer abroad took a pre-survey before they departed and a post survey once they returned that asked about participants’ body image, food urges, U.S.-focused health perceptions, and how participants defined healthy food. Fifty-five participants responded to the pre-survey, and 44 of the original 55 answered the post survey. This information was then analyzed using SPSS. The continuous measured questions were analyzed using paired sample t-tests, and categorical measured questions where multiple answers could be correct were analyzed using chi-squared tests. Thirteen of the questions asked came back with significant changes (p = < .05). Looking forward, what was learned through this study could help Global Education Oregon (GEO) by providing information for future study abroad goers about how the experience will share their understanding about health and wellness.

Description

53 pages

Keywords

Journalism: Advertising, Body Image, Health Perception, Food Intake, Traveling Abroad, U.S. Excess

Citation