Abstract
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.
Résumé
Cet article a employé une étude des cas aux méthodes mixtes pour examiner la perception des tailles des corps parmi des élèves d’école maternelle chinois. En utilisant un langage adapté aux enfants, on a interviewé quarante-deux élèves d’école maternelle chinois. Les résultats ont indiqué qu’une majorité des enfants pouvait décrire l’image qu’on leur a donnée et expliquer les différences entre des tailles des corps différentes. Ce groupe d’enfants a indiqué que les tailles différentes étaient principalement associées aux différentes quantités de nourriture et sortes de viande et avec la consommation des légumes. Une influence socio-culturelle importante sur les connaissances des concepts de santé parmi les enfants était évidente. Les mères étaient surtout indiquées comme un facteur social important. En ce qui concerne le choix entre les tailles de corps il y avait peu de différences de genre, mais elles n’étaient pas statistiquement significatives. Les conclusions de cet étude ont relevé un besoin de fournir aux petits enfants des leçons positives de l’image de corps et de la santé. Ce but pourrait être réalisé avec la communication et l’exemple d’un mode de vie salutaire de la part des parents et/ou par la participation aux activités incorporées au programme scolaire et associées avec la nourriture et l’exercice physique.
Resumen
Este estudio adoptó un diseño de estudio monográfico con métodos mixtos para examinar las percepciones de niños hacia el tamaño corporal. Los niños en el estudio son chinos y de nivel Kindergaten (jardín de infancia). Cuarenta y dos niños de entre cinco y seis años fueron entrevistados en sistema amigable para los niños. Los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de los niños podían describir las imagen que se les proporcionaba y explicar las diferencias entre los diferentes tamaños corporales. Indicado por este grupo de niños, los diferentes tamaños corporales se asociaron predominantemente con diferentes cantidades de alimentos, tipos de carne y consumo de vegetales. En particular, se reveló una fuerte conexión entre el consumo de carne y las diferencias de tamaño corporal. Se evidenció una importante influencia sociocultural en el aprendizaje de los niños sobre conceptos de salud. En particular, las madres fueron señaladas como el factor social más influyente. Las diferencias de género en las elecciones de tamaño corporal fueron pocas pero no estadísticamente significativas. Los hallazgos de este estudio revelaron la necesidad de brindar a los niños experiencias de aprendizaje positivas asociadas con la imagen corporal y la salud. Esto podría lograrse a través de modelos y comunicaciones apropiados de un estilo de vida saludable por parte de los padres y/o participando en actividades de clase asociadas con alimentos y ejercicios integrados en los planes de estudio.
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TX created the survey instrument and delivered the survey to individual participants. TX collected all data, analyzed, and interpreted the participants’ data, wrote the results and was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. YH contributed to literature review and data analysis. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Xu, T., He, Y. Body Size Perceptions Among Normal-Weight Kindergarten Children in China. IJEC 54, 245–259 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-021-00300-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-021-00300-z