An ethnographic exploration of an adolescent weight management and lifestyle change programme : experiences and perceptions of adolescents, parents, and trainers

Jackson, Francesca Rosemarie

Abstract

Introduction
Adolescent obesity is complex yet little attention has been given to this age group. Adolescents experience dramatic biopsychosocial changes that affect their behaviours, attitudes, perceptions, and relationships. This period provides opportunities to shape health enhancing behaviours. For these reasons, it is integral to focus health interventions towards the adolescent age group in order to foster positive health outcomes throughout adolescence and into adulthood.
East Riding Leisure (ERL) was commissioned to deliver a weight management and lifestyle change programme for young people. The aim of this thesis was to conduct an ethnographic exploration of Young Live Well (YLW) in order to gain insight into the experiences and perceptions of clients, parents and trainers.
Method
An ethnographic approach was taken. This involved 12 months of overt observations of clients, parents and trainers during YLW sessions, focus groups and semi- structured interviews with clients, trainers and mothers. Thematic analysis of data gathered was conducted.
Results
Results highlight that the tailored approach of YLW provides clients with the knowledge, provisions and support to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Furthermore, findings cast an interesting light on the effect of adolescent development on YLW experiences. Client success and progress differed as a result of a client’s biopsychosocial development and developmental context. Alongside this, a lack of trainer and parent understanding of a client’s developmental capacity resulted in inappropriate and unsuccessful attempts at support and encouragement.
Conclusions
YLW offers the opportunity for individual healthy lifestyle change. However, the intervention falls in conjunction with biopsychosocial changes that effect a clients’ attitude and ability to manage their YLW journey. It is imperative for trainers and parents to understand a client’s development needs, in order to provide effective support. Acknowledgement of developmental needs and transitions associated with adolescence can facilitate positive lifestyle change that works in conjunction with an adolescent’s transition into adulthood.

Citation

Jackson, F. R. An ethnographic exploration of an adolescent weight management and lifestyle change programme : experiences and perceptions of adolescents, parents, and trainers. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222834

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Feb 25, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Sports science
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222834
• Additional Information: Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Dec 1, 2019