A recent Penn State study on teens and body image yielded some surprising results. "Past researchers may have missed the key groups: normal weight girls who think they are overweight, and underweight boys," said Jason Houle, graduate student in sociology and demography. It's not just weight that troubles kids, it's the combination of weight and weight perceptions, he added. "Clinicians cannot assume that healthy weight adolescents know their weight is healthy or feel good about it," said Michelle Frisco, assistant professor of sociology and demography. (more)
Adolescent girls who think they are overweight, but are not, are at more risk for depression than girls who are overweight and know it, according to Penn State sociologists. "Parents often worry about overweight girls' mental health, but our findings show that it is girls who have a healthy weight but perceive being overweight who are most likely to feel depressed," said Jason N. Houle, graduate student in sociology and demography. (more)
"Our whole system of representative democracy depends on [the census]," said sociologist Gordon De Jong. Because representation is based on population, an up-to-date tally is essential. The equitable distribution of public funds, he adds, also depends on up-to-date population data. (more)
Recently, a dozen Penn State undergraduate and graduate students returned from study abroad at the University of Ghana in West Africa, where they were accompanied and instructed by Francis Dodoo, a Penn State research professor with the Population Research Institute and professor of sociology and demography. Three of the students blogged about their experiences while in Ghana. This is the second of three entries. (more)
Recently, a dozen Penn State undergraduate and graduate students returned from study abroad at the University of Ghana in West Africa, where they were accompanied and instructed by Francis Dodoo, a Penn State research professor with the Population Research Institute and professor of sociology and demography. Three of the students blogged about their experiences while in Ghana. This is the third of three entries. (more)
Recently, a dozen Penn State undergraduate and graduate students returned from study abroad at the University of Ghana in West Africa, where they were accompanied and instructed by Francis Dodoo, a Penn State research professor with the Population Research Institute and professor of sociology and demography. Three of the students blogged about their experiences while in Ghana. This is the first of three entries. (more)
A new Penn State study shows that family lifestyle has a significant impact on teenagers' weight. Children are heavier if their families skip or miss some meals, such as breakfast, or if their families watch TV or play video games for several hours a day. This is true regardless of the teenager's genetic risk of being overweight. The study, published in a special issue of the American Journal of Sociology on social factors and genetics, is the first to demonstrate that the link between parents' obesity and the weight of their children is both social and genetic in origin. (more)
WPSU and OLLI at Penn State present a public discussion to provide insight to those entering and in late adulthood. A group of experts on positive aging will participate in a discussion on the opportunities and challenges that arise during what is known as "Third Age," the years between 50 and 80. The public is welcome to be part of this broadcast event, titled "Third Age: Designing the Second Half of Life," and can participate with their questions and comments at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, in the lobby of the Outreach Building in Penn State's Innovation Park. (more)
