Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10919/51287

The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.

Directions for final project and report submission

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 319

4-H Agent Longevity and Youth Participation and Perception: A Case Study
Ransdell, Leona P. (Virginia Tech, 2018-12-13)
This study examined the influence of the 4-H agent and how the length of time an agent is employed in a community affects the perception of the quality and visibility of the 4-H program based on the theory of Positive Youth Development. The objective of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between the length of time an agent has been employed in a county and what effect, if any, it has on the perceptions of the youth ages 14-19 that are enrolled in the 4-H program. A total of 138 youth participated in the survey from 21 different counties in Virginia. The study found the positive influence of the 4-H agent in a county and the 4-H program and that these employees are an important part of a youth’s 4-H career. Further research is needed to determine the time at which agents begin to make significant impact on the youth enrolled in their county programs. Programmatic recommendations include conducting a more in depth needs assessment including agents in the 8-11 year employment range and outside stakeholders.
4-H Presentation Contest in Homeschool Learning: A Case Study
Estep, Taylor (Virginia Tech, 2021-03-08)
The purpose of this project is to determine why homeschool teachers in Tazewell County, Virginia support and implement the Virginia 4-H presentations program and what potential life skills are learned by students. The theoretical framework for this study was the Experiential Learning Theory and Model. A qualitative case study was developed to determine why teachers utilize the contest and what potential life skills they feel students learn. The participants of this study were two Tazewell County homeschool teachers that implemented the program and subsequent contest each year with students. Teachers participated in a pre and post-interview that was audio recorded and transcribed. Themes that emerged included potential life skills learned and provided a better understanding as to why this contest has been supported for over 25 years. Recommendations from the research include conducting a similar study throughout the state to examine a larger sample. Practitioner recommendations include introducing new ways to implement the contest into teacher’s educational curriculum and share other teachers’ rubrics and lesson plans for this contest. Both would be beneficial in creating a more universal contest.
A Multicomponent Initiative to Increase Nutrition Outreach in the East End Neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia
Yancey, Grace; Misyak, Sarah; Myers, Emily; Papillon, Carol (Virginia Tech, 2024-07-22)
Access to healthy food is imperative to support the health of individuals and communities. However, structural inequities have resulted in reduced food access and higher rates of chronic disease in low-income communities. In the East End of Richmond, Virginia, a historically redlined area of the city, residents have reduced healthy food access and experience consequent health disparities. Multiple organizations, food pantries, and urban agriculture initiatives are working to mitigate these food access issues. Bon Secours Community Outreach is aiming to implement nutrition programming in the East End that complements these assets and promotes healthy food access. This project aimed to pilot various nutrition outreach approaches, initiate community engagement, and collect feedback from community members to inform future programming. Nutrition outreach initiatives were adapted to three food access sites including a food pantry, grocery store, and a mobile market to engage with East End residents. Feedback was collected to assess residents’ perceptions on healthy eating behaviors and their preferences around nutrition programming. Engagement levels and feedback collection were highest at the grocery store. Participants indicated preferences for receiving nutrition education from media sources, within community-based spaces, and from medical professionals. A pilot nutrition workshop was implemented that included nutrition education and a cooking demonstration. A Bon Secours dietitian and community health worker provided feedback to revise the workshop for future implementation. This project initiated the first step in community engagement and trialing outreach approaches to inform future nutrition programming.
The Academic Experience of African-American Male Student-Athletes
Hill, Ahmed (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-09)
This paper explores the academic experience of former African-American student-athletes who have graduated from Virginia Tech. Student-athletes choose to attend college for many different reasons and once enrolled, they often face challenges such as time management. Academic support centers have developed throughout the country at various institutions to assist student-athletes with the academic challenges that they may face. Through interviews with former student-athletes, this paper was developed to answer two research questions: What experiences have positively impacted African-American male student-athletes’ academic success and graduation? And, what support initiatives and/or programs have student-athlete support offices implemented at Virginia Tech to support African-American male student-athletes? Seven former student-athletes were interviewed in this study and results show that the majority of those interviewed chose to attend Virginia Tech to play basketball and to receive a strong education. The biggest challenge faced by student-athletes was time management. The most utilized resources were: academic advisors, professors, tutoring, and relationships with coaches, teammates, and others. All of the student-athletes interviewed had a positive experience at Virginia Tech and were pleased with their decision to obtain a degree. In terms of the programming for African-Americans, common themes were that they did not want to be stereotyped. Implications and recommendations based on this research include continuing to support the African-American student-athlete population by developing relationships with them.
Accuracy of Intermittent Fasting Guidance in Blogs Used by Personal Trainers from a Gym in South Africa
Disbergen, Shene (Virginia Tech, 2021-10-11)
This project examined the accuracy of blog sources personal trainers in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa use to educate themselves on the topic of intermittent fasting. Through literature review, different types of intermittent fasting were researched such as time-restricted feeding, periodic fasting, and alternate day fasting as well as the role intermittent fasting plays in weight loss and modifying risk factors for health conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. A small convenience sample of five personal trainers were used to conduct one-on-one semi-structured interviews in a local gym to determine what sources of information they use to educate themselves on intermittent fasting and if they use any blog sources. The top three blog sources were determined based on frequency of mention and manual deductive qualitative coding was applied to blog articles from each blog source in order to determine accuracy of information in two key criteria: timing of feeding and fasting, and instructions on caloric intake. The third criteria, type of references used in each blog article, was recorded and combined with accuracy of the other two criteria to calculate an average reliability score. Accuracy in both timing of feeding and fasting, and instructions on caloric intake fell between 86 and 100%, for the three blog sites, and the average reliability scores fell between 85 and 95%. Another component of this project focused on a qualitative evaluation regarding statements of health benefits made in each blog article as well as the type of reference used to substantiate each health benefit claim based on a hierarchy of scientific evidence.1 There were sixty seven total unique health benefit claims made in the articles from all three blog sources. One hundred percent of those claims had cited references justifying each claim. Forty three percent of the cited references were either Meta analyses and systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials. The findings show that the blog sources these personal trainers use to educate themselves on intermittent fasting are accurate and use top tiers of the hierarchy of scientific evidence to substantiate health benefit claims that are made in the articles.
Advancing Food as Medicine in the Retail Setting
Hollis, Sarah (Virginia Tech, 2024)
Over half of the American population, over 117 million individuals, have at least one or more preventable chronic diseases that are related to poor eating and exercise habits. This includes cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and poor bone health (Schap, 2016). The expansion of Food as Medicine programming in grocery stores is predicted to impact consumer food choices. Food retailers are trailing nutrition-related programs to understand how they can provide solutions to change eating habits (FMI, 2019) as more consumers shift their dietary habits and mindsets to be more focused on how food choices can affect health status. This project aimed to evaluate whether placing nutrition educational materials in ten Food City pharmacies in southwest Virginia and eastern Tennessee would provide consumer guidance in making food choices in the grocery store, specifically for populations looking to follow a low-carbohydrate diet or a heart-healthy diet. A pilot passive quasi-experimental design was created to determine if there was a product lift of the promoted products on the nutrition educational materials. Stores with both the resource racks and bag stuffers at the counters saw a 13.38% increase in carbohydrate-aware items and 1.04% in heart-healthy items. Stores that had bag stuffers only at the pharmacy counters saw a 10.55% increase in carbohydrate-aware items and a -0.11% decrease in heart-healthy items. Comparison stores saw a 11.19% increase in carbohydrate-aware items and a -0.48% decrease in heart-healthy items. This intervention was successful as it provided real world significance in product lift as well as it provided insight into future program development and modifications for future resources.
Agricultural Grading Manual Training Tools: An Evaluation
Hall, Kierra (Virginia Tech, 2020-05)
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) implements federal regulations and guidelines to ensure that the food supply is safe for consumers. The job roles for inspectors who work for USDA include in-plant inspections, lot sampling, and conducting audits in plants, on farms, and at entry ports. In order to efficiently complete each task, all inspectors must be thoroughly trained. This work examined current USDA applesauce grading manuals in order to evaluate and offer recommendations to improve the quality of the training materials that are used to train USDA inspectors. Utilizing an implementation evaluation, participants were given a questionnaire pertaining to the applesauce grading manual. The participants in the study determined that the overall applesauce grading manual was easy to navigate. However, some participants found the manual difficult to understand and needed some modifications. It was recommended that adding supplemental documents like color charts, and more specific measurements would make the manual more efficient. These changes could produce more efficient and confident inspectors.
Agricultural Practices Attitudes and Perceived Risk Study
Harrison, Lauren V.; Rideout, Steven L.; Strawn, Laura K.; Cox, Heather (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-11)
Though the existing literature does not provide evidence to suggest that genetically modified foods are worse for humans and the environment than organically grown foods, a general tone exists from the public expressing primarily distrust and negativity towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, and growth hormones. This can result in fear/distrust around food, damage to the agriculture industry, and misinformed nutrition advice, leading to further negative outcomes. The purpose of this project was to formally understand the consumer’s attitudes and perceived risk in relation to their knowledge about common agricultural practices, specifically genetic engineering of food. Additionally, the project aimed to identify if there is a correlation between the occurrence of disordered eating/dieting and knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risk of genetically modified organisms. One hundred thirty participants volunteered to take a survey which gathered basic demographic information, prevalence of dieting/disordered eating and eating disorder diagnosis, general knowledge of GMOs and their attitudes and perceived risk in relation to human health, nutrition, and environmental impact. The results provide trends of high self-confidence in knowledge about GMOs, moderate-to-low actual knowledge, neutral-to-negative overall attitudes, and moderate-to-high overall perceived risk. The trends suggest that increasing levels of inaccurate knowledge on the topic of GMOs correlate with increasing negative attitudes towards GMOs. Those diagnosed with an eating disorder reported the highest prevalence of fear of GMOS, followed by those who engaged in dieting or disordered eating. The evidence gives way to the idea that individuals who have a higher involvement in following diets or engaging in disordered eating behaviors are more likely to feel fearful of agriculture- and food-related practices. Based on the findings of this study, a call for improved education dissemination strategies is indicated.
Agritourism Safety in Virginia
Preisser, Afton (Virginia Tech, 2017-11-17)
Safety is a concern for agritourism venues because an operating farm may expose visitors to many unfamiliar conditions, situations, and/or animals, which opens the farm operation to potential liability risks during these interactions. The purpose of this research was to review current safety protocols on Virginia agritourism operations and seek information that was needed to improve for the future. Based on a survey sent to Virginia operators, numerous areas were identified which would benefit from further education and risk management information. Insurance offerings tailored to agritourism operations are needed, in addition to improved employee screening and training for operations management. The survey found that 25.24% of responses do not do any type of pre-employment screening while over 7% do not participate in walkthroughs before events. The purpose of this research was to document specific protocols already in place, identify, and describe critical areas of improvement for Virginia agritourism event, venue, and visitor safety practices.
Agroforestry Education: The Status and Progress of Agroforestry Courses in the U.S.
Wright, Matt (Virginia Tech, 2017-04-24)
Many agroforestry leaders today believe that an increase in agroforestry coursework, certifications, and institutional degree programs would help agroforestry professionals gain the proper education and training needed to better promote agroforestry implementation (Gold, 2015; USDA, 2011). In 1990, thirty-nine SAF forestry accredited institutions were surveyed throughout North America. The survey revealed that at least fourteen schools were offering a course in agroforestry (Warren & Bentley, 1990). In order to determine the current status of agroforestry course offerings today, we sent an electronic survey to one hundred and twenty seven institutions throughout the U.S. Focusing on land-grant and SAF forestry accredited institutions, the survey findings indicate growth in the number of institutions that are offering agroforestry coursework today. In addition, the number of temperate agroforestry course offerings has increased significantly and may now exceed tropical agroforestry course offerings by institutions in the U.S. The survey results also indicate a thorough adoption of interdisciplinary teaching methods by agroforestry educators. Nonetheless, there is still considerable room for improvement. While most institutions that are currently providing agroforestry courses would like to continue offering them, the number of institutions that have discontinued their offerings since the prior 1988 survey is concerning. In addition, while SAF and 1862 land grant institutions are the strongest proponents of agroforestry, most institutions still do not provide agroforestry courses and are not likely to offer them in the near future. Lack of resources, lack of student interest, and lack of faculty expertise were often cited to this end. A much needed contribution to agroforestry education, this project provides a clearer picture of institutional agroforestry offerings today.
Alternative Control Methods for Verticillium wilt: A Literature Review
Washburn, Morgan (Virginia Tech, 2018-11-30)
Verticillium wilt (V.albo-atrum and V.dahiae) is a soil-borne fungus that is causing economic losses and lower yields for farmers across the country. The disease has a wide host range and can live in the soil without a host for a decade or more. Finding effective and reasonable control methods has been difficult for some industries. Some methods such as sanitation, chemical application and crop rotation have not been completely effective at suppressing or eliminating the disease. Alternative control methods have been researched and tested, with some completely eliminating the disease, but these methods have to be continuously implemented and monitored in order for them to be effective. This literature review investigated the availability of scientific research on effective alternative control methods for Verticillium wilt. Potential effective alternative control methods were identified, including anaerobic soil disinfection, soil solarization, broccoli incorporation, mustard incorporation, compost and green manure. Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps related to successful implementation of these controls in suppressing or eliminating Verticillium wilt.
An Analysis of Influencing factors and logjams in the Existing Vegetable Value Chain in Waling, Nepal
Baral, Govinda R.; Friedel, Curtis R.; Alwang, Jeffrey R.; Westfall-Rudd, Donna M. (Virginia Tech, 2016-05-02)
Nepal is known for its three unique topographical regions: Mountain, Hill, and Terai. Since the Himalayan range is cold and damp and therefore unable to produce vegetables, most of the agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, cereal crops, coffee, and tea are grown in Hilly and Terai regions. Waling, a city located in the hilly district of Syangja, has engaged in high production of vegetables. Its residents have embraced the production and marketing of vegetables as their main source of income generation. Despite the economic potentiality of vegetables, famers have been unsuccessful in garnering maximum benefits. The vegetable value chain, which ranges from conception to consumption, is affected by numerous factors that have generated obstacles in maximizing benefits and minimizing risks. Hence, the objective of this study was to analyze the influencing factors and log jams in the existing vegetable value chain through famers’ interviews, focus group discussion, and consultation with farmers’ groups, institutions, and individuals through phenomenological study. The study identified lack of effective technologies for packaging of grown vegetables, frequent price fluctuation, poor group management, and unavailability of quality seeds as the log jams of this value chain. In order to reduce and possibly eliminate these log jams, agricultural professionals should develop packaging methods using cardboard boxes and plastic carets that are readily available in the markets of major cities of Nepal, coordinate farmers and wholesalers during the product flowing process, and establish a cold store to preserve products and maintain quality.
Analysis of Soil Tests: Nutrients and Soil Properties to Help Farmers Improve Management Practices
Motley, Natalie M. (Virginia Tech, 2020-05-11)
Soil nutrients and properties are the foundation of plant growth and our health. The basis of our soil starts with its texture. Soil texture impacts infiltration rate and cation exchange capacity; which in turn affects water and nutrient availability in plants. Analysis of soil nutrients and properties is imperative for effectively managing adequate soil levels and helping prevent excessive amounts of fertilizer applications. While research studies were conducted to analyze specific nutrients, these studies do not provide farmers the importance of certain nutrients and soil testing on specific farmland parcels. This research study identified soil texture for three parcels of farmland in Dewitt County, Illinois, described soil sampling methodology used, and trends of periodic testing results. Analysis of the soil testing results was compared to recommended optimal soil test values. Key nutrients that were analyzed were phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, as well as pH and organic matter content. Management practices were also assessed. Most test results identified nutrients within the optimum values. Where there were slight variations, effective management of fertilizer applications were applied. Variable rate technology was used to spread fertilizers specifically to field locations in need. Management practices, including crop rotation, were used and based on soil test results, farmers were able to maintain a critical balance of adequate soil nutrients. Further, based on pH soil test results, farmers applied a liming program to regain optimal pH levels for annual crop production. While the organic matter content on one of the three parcels had declined below the Illinois average level, the other two parcels remained within the average range. Maintaining soil nutrient levels through periodic and consistent soil testing is paramount to help farmers more efficiently use limited resources for protecting the soil quality for future generations.
Argumentative Writing “Egg Proj-chick”: A Chick Hatching Unit of Study for Teaching 7th grade Argumentative Writing Skills
Merrill, Suzanne (Virginia Tech, 2013-12)
This project introduces lessons using animal-assisted education techniques as an approach to reengaging students in the classroom. An informal observation of children who were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) yielded preliminary evidence that the disengaged students began to gain self-control and be more cooperative with others. A more comprehensive examination of this phenomenon seemed to be a worthwhile endeavor, which was the impetus for this project. The animal-centered unit of study designed by the author is the first-known, formal attempt to utilize the beneficial, therapeutic effects of animals in a non-science, academic unit to maximize learning potential. This project is a compilation of lesson plans that can be used in a unit for 7th graders on argumentative writing using chick hatching as the topic. The persuasive writing unit uses a chick-hatching project as the axis around which its lessons revolve. The aim of the unit is to provide a framework around which data pertaining to children’s learning can be collected and analyzed. The Ewing Township District Language Arts Supervisor evaluated the lesson plans and determined that they met Standard W.6.1 in the 2010 Common Core Standards for English Language Arts. It is recommended that research be conducted to determine whether or not there are correlations between the use of animals for academic purposes and the cognitive development of youth.
Assessing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Presence and Distribution in the Stormwater Systems of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Coastal Communities
Blackburn, Savanna; Harrison, Michael (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-01)
This interdisciplinary study investigates the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities within two coastal municipalities in the Virginia Coastal Plain. Utilizing a field and laboratory approach, the research aims to assess the distribution and concentration of 30 PFAS compounds across multiple environmental receptors. Initial grab-sampling conducted across four distinct sites provided preliminary data on a wide range of PFAS, employing targeted analytical techniques to evaluate their presence. The significance of the study is underscored by the ecological and public health risks associated with PFAS contamination. Results from the analysis revealed variable concentrations of PFAS compounds across the sampled locations, suggesting a relationship between urban infrastructure, environmental justice areas, and PFAS distribution. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on PFAS environmental behavior, risks, and management, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and research. Additionally, the study demonstrates the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex environmental health issues, providing a foundation for future research and targeted sampling strategies to mitigate PFAS risks in urban coastal settings.
An awareness guideline on consumer food safety in Suriname
Zweevel, Mayra C. (Virginia Tech, 2021-12-01)
The Nationaal Instituut voor Voedselveiligheid Suriname (NIVS) which is established in the context of general food safety and protecting consumers from dangers associated with all foods sold in Suriname, gives the opportunity to develop food safety rules, regulation and raise awareness on topics regarding food safety. One opportunity of this Institute is to create awareness among the consumers who are part of the food supply chain (known as the farm to fork continuum). Historical data show that Suriname is not excluded from foodborne illness. The goal of this project and report was to educate consumers in Suriname on food safety best practices. To the authors knowledge, no reports were found on consumers food safety behavior and knowledge in Suriname. Therefore, these guidelines were developed to educate consumers on food safety behavior, and also food safety best practices based on different international prior studies. These food safety best practices are described under several different topics related to consumer behavior and food handling.
Beef Quality Assurance - Adding Value with E. coli Food Safety Focus
Flowers, Charles Webb (Virginia Tech, 2011-12)
“Doing the right thing” as recommended by cumulative results of successive National Beef Quality Audits 1990–2010 is demonstrating positive end product quality, wholesomeness and food safety progress. As producers continued to utilize BQA practices over a 10-20 year period during the 1990s and 2000s, and included additional value added practices, they began to realize premiums for BQA practices. The focus of this publication is the importance of minimizing opportunities for foodborne illness pathogen to occur throughout the life of beef cattle for young calves through harvest.
A Beginning Farmer and Rancher Community Learning Network in the Greater Richmond Area: Program Development and Initial Evaluation
Maxwell, Charlotte H. (Virginia Tech, 2017-07-17)
The mission of the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition (VBFRC) Program for Greater Richmond is to develop programming that fits the needs of beginning farmers in the area. This project initially focused on Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover and Powhatan residents and contributed to the larger statewide initiative. The developed program reaches more counties in the Greater Richmond area and continues to contribute to the statewide initiative. The initial mission of this project was to introduce the participants to the VBFRC Whole Farm Planning curriculum, conduct a needs assessment and create a plan of action to address those needs. The initial mission was accomplished through two whole farm planning classes and a third meeting where the beginning farmers participated in a needs assessment discussion and created an action plan to meet their needs. Participants were able to voice their opinions on which needs to prioritize and what events they want to hold in the future. The secondary mission will be to develop a learning community with new farmers and established farmers in the area. The secondary mission does not have a set end time as we will work to connect farmers together in this community-learning network. This project resulted in a program for the participants based on their input with the Extension agent serving as an event facilitator. The whole farm planning classes were evaluated through a paper survey and interviews, the needs assessment and action plan were created through discussion. The Social Exchange Theory was selected as the theoretical framework for this program. In order for the community-learning network to work, a beneficial social exchange will need to be present. The results of the surveys, interviews and needs assessment are being used to inform the program and The development of this program and its evaluation helps to strengthen the agricultural community as well as increase programming offered specifically for beginning farmers by the local Virginia Cooperative Extension offices.
Biological watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) seed treatments for control of Acidovorax citrulli
Klein, Rachel (Virginia Tech, 2020-06-03)
Acidovorax citrulli is a seedborne pathogen responsible for bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), an economically important disease in melon and watermelon throughout the world. BFB is highly virulent and in affected fields can cause yield reduction of up to 95%, which has resulted in over $100,000 in losses to melon growers in some cases. The efficacy of green tea as an antimicrobial seed treatment against A. citrulli was tested. Watermelon seeds were treated with green tea after inoculation with transgenic A. citrulli expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Forty five percent of watermelon seedlings inoculated with a high level (OD600:1.0, ~8 x 108 cells/ml) of A. citrulli displayed GFP in their cotyledons. When these seeds were treated with green tea, only 11.2% displayed GFP in their cotyledons. None of the treated watermelon seedlings inoculated with a low level (OD600:0.001, ~8 x 105 cells/ml) of A. citrulli displayed GFP in their cotyledons. Green tea treatments effectively controlled the disease when administered as a liquid to infected watermelon seeds. Green tea has potential as an effective commercial treatment for pericarp infected seeds that could also be used by growers participating in the National Organic Program.
Body Project Implementation in Virginia Tech Athletics: Effect on Body Image Satisfaction and Thin Idealization
Labiaga, Janelle S. C. (Virginia Tech, 2020-05-21)
Eating disorders and disordered eating have a prevalence of 6% to 45% in collegiate female athletes (Knapp, Aerni, & Anderson, 2014). Thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction are risk factors for the development of disordered eating and eating disorders. Dissonance-based prevention programs have been shown to be effective in reducing thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction, as well as lessening risk of developing disordered eating and eating disorders. Currently, Virginia Tech Athletics does not utilize a group-based eating disorder prevention program for its female athletes. The purpose of this pilot project was to administer the Body Project, a dissonance-based prevention program aimed at reducing thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction, to female swimmers at Virginia Tech and evaluate the program’s effect on thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction. Thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction were evaluated via the Body Parts Satisfaction Survey-Revised (BPSS-R) and the Ideal Body Stereotype Survey-Revised (IBSS-R), respectively, before and after completion of the Body Project. Ten female swimmers, without current eating disorders, volunteered to participate, and nine swimmers (19.44 ± 1.42 years old; 5 freshmen, 2 juniors, and 2 seniors) completed the full project. Sixty-seven percent of participants (6 out of 9) experienced a reduction in their subscription to thin-ideal internalization (IBSS-R 2.96 ± 0.92 pre, 1.85 ± 0.88 post, p<0.05), while 78% of participants (7 out of 9) experienced an increase in body satisfaction (BPSS-R 4.42 ± 1.35 pre, 5.08 ± 0.90 post, p<0.05, p< 0.05). The findings of this pilot project suggest that the Body Project is an effective tool to influence subscription to thin-ideal internalization and body satisfaction in female college athletes. Continued effort to refine and implement the Body Project as group-based eating disorder prevention program for female college athletes is needed.

Browse

Browsing Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options