Girls on the GLOW A study of, Parental Perceptions of Self-Esteem & Overall Wellness in Participants

TCNJ undergraduate students: MEET OUR TEAM In conjunction with Dina Strachan & the volunteers of Girls on the GLOW: Dr. Laura Bruno, Assistant Professor Department of Health & Exercise Science The College of New Jersey Office (609)771-2195 Mobile (443)223-9454 brunol@tcnj.edu TCNJ undergraduate students: Danielle DeGraw degrawd1@tcnj.edu & Marissa Hazel hazelm1@tcnj.edu

WHO is this proposed study about? Girls on the GLOW participants & parent(s) “Girls on the GLOW is open to all girls in grades 1-6 and focuses on building endurance and strength as well as building character and confidence.  The program offers fun-filled activities that center around a comprehensive curriculum which includes topics such as goal setting, positive attitude, community, and nutrition.  The participants are encouraged to attend weekly practices and take part in the various events and seminars offered throughout the season.  There will even be opportunities for some mother/daughter quality time on our calendar, too.  GLOW offers a spring session and a fall session” (About Girls on the GLOW, para. 1, n.d.)

WHERE will the study take place? All research and data collection will occur at the scheduled GLOW practices held at J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School on Main Street in Mantua Township. “We will meet weekly on Saturday mornings.  Practices will be approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.  A developmental lesson will be presented each week; the physical activities that follow will also focus on the topic to reinforce the lesson while the girls develop their strength and endurance”. (About Girls on the GLOW, para. 6, n.d.)

WHEN will the research be collected? Data will be collected twice: once at the onset of the season, and again at the end of the season. April 2nd May 21st Undergraduate research assistants will help coach and train participants during this time

WHAT is this proposed study about? This study is aimed at better understanding the outcomes of the Girls on the GLOW program. The purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) identify if growth and improvements occur as a result of participating in the program, and (2) assess if parental perceptions are an accurate measure of self-esteem and overall wellness in girls participating in the program.

WHY is this research necessary and valuable? It is well known that exercise is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle. Despite this knowledge, children and youth are not meeting the daily recommendations for exercise as outlined by the Centers for Disease control. The Girls on the GLOW program takes an innovative approach to increase physical activity for girls at a time when their psychosocial well-being is at stake. In addition to providing information about possible physical and psychosocial gains after completion of such a program, results from this research will also identify if parent report methods offer an accurate measure of perceived self-esteem and, in turn, program effectiveness.

HOW will this study work? Phase 1 Participant age, height & weight will be recorded FitnessGram PACER test Kid-KINDL ® Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (Ravens-Sieberer & Bullinger, 2000) Parents’ Questionnaire KINDL ® Ravens-Sieberer & Bullinger, 2000) Phase 2 Kid-KINDL ® Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (Ravens-Sieberer & Bullinger, 2000) *All information is confidential and will be kept under lock & key. Participants names will be coded and only the PI will know the code number for each participant. All information and findings will be kept anonymous.

IMPLICATIONS for you & your daughter PARENTS PARTICIPANTS On 2 occasions, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about your perception of your daughter’s self-esteem. This will take no more than 10 minutes The only difference between regularly scheduled practices and events is the data collection protocol that will occur at 2 different practices (pre-post). My research team will work closely with the girls to answer any questions they may have. Participation in this study is 100% voluntary. Neither you, nor your child, will experience any negative repercussions if you select not to participate.

Thank you for your time & willingness to help! Q & A… Thank you for your time & willingness to help!