Body Size Perceptions Among Normal-Weight Kindergarten Children in China

• In Event: Poster Session 2: Topics Affecting Early Childhood Teachers and Children

Abstract

This mixed-methods research study examined Chinese kindergarten children’s body size perceptions. Fourth-two kindergarten children between age five and six were interviewed. Results showed majority of children can describe the image provided and tell the differences among different body figures. Explained by this group of children, different body sizes were associated with different amounts of food, types of meat, and vegetables consumption; a strong connection between the consumption of meat and body size differences was discovered. Gender differences in body size choices were few but not statistically significant.

Authors

• Tingting Xu, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Yuan He, Stephen F. Austin State University