| This study examined relationships between adolescent obesity, adolescent stress, and academic variables. Data was collected from 142 adolescents attending public school in the suburbs of central Virginia. There were 3 proposed hypotheses related to obesity, stress, school absenteeism, academic achievement, and school performance. Data on the above parameters were individually collected for each student. The selected statistical models for data processing were independent sample t-test and regression analysis. Results showed that PSS (perceived stress scores) was associated with increased absenteeism (p = .002). Significant differences were found between mean PSS scores for males (M = 12.48, SD = 5.789) and females (M = 19.92, SD = 6.457; t(140) = 5.928; p = .001). With each 10-unit increase in PSS, absenteeism for a 30-day period increased .6 day. PSS was also significantly associated with GPA (p = .001). With each 10-unit increase in PSS, GPA decreased by .3 point. Obesity as an Independent Variable did not show significance in relation to school absenteeism, PSS scores, school performance, or academic achievement. Obesity as a predictor of GPA, however, neared significance (p = .078) when age, gender, PSS, and absenteeism were controlled. A tendency for obese adolescent males to report lower PSS scores compared to non-obese males was also found. |
