17th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
Student Health: Does Major Matter?
Sarah E. Schack*, Kathryn S. Gallaher, Yoshie Nakai, and Timothy R. Olliges
Dr. Judith M. Misale, Faculty Mentor
Sixty-nine male and females from multiple majors participated in a study investigating specific health behaviors and students' attitudes regarding various health-related factors. The students completed a questionnaire assessing such variables as diet and exercise, activity level, social support, and stress. Because of research showing differences between psychology majors and students in other disciplines and because gender differences occur across a variety of venues, we analyzed the data in a 2-way design that assessed variances between psychology and other disciplines and between females and males. The results indeed revealed differences between disciplines, including findings regarding level of exercise, satisfaction with diet, and aspects of social support networks. Likewise, differences appeared in the responses of females and males when they rated their current health and perceived well-being.
Keywords: health, gender, major, exercise
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 24-1
Location: OP 2210
Time: 10:00