ERIC Number: EJ1346980
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Aug
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-7187
EISSN: EISSN-1878-4658
Body Size Perceptions among Normal-Weight Kindergarten Children in China
Xu, Tingting; He, Yuan
International Journal of Early Childhood, v54 n2 p245-259 Aug 2022
This study adopted a case study design with mixed methods to examine Chinese kindergarten children's body size perceptions. Forty-two Chinese kindergarten children between ages five and six were interviewed through child-friendly language. Results showed majority of children could describe the image provided to them and explain the differences among different body sizes. Indicated by this group of children, different body sizes were predominately associated with different amounts of food, types of meat, and vegetable consumptions. In particular, a strong connection between the consumption of meat and body size differences was revealed. An important sociocultural influence on children's learning about health concepts was evident. In particular, mothers were indicated as the most influential social factor. Gender differences in body size choices were few but not statistically significant. Findings from this study revealed a need to provide young children with positive learning experiences associated with body image and health. This could be achieved through appropriate modeling and communications of a healthy lifestyle from parents and/or by participating in classroom activities associated with food and exercises integrated in the curricula.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Kindergarten, Young Children, Human Body, Body Weight, Eating Habits, Health Behavior, Self Concept, Visual Perception
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: China
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A