Degree
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Shannon L. Sibbald
Abstract
Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) is a gender-sensitized weight loss and healthy lifestyle program for overweight and obese male hockey fans, consisting of a 12-week active phase followed by a 40-week maintenance phase. Following program completion, interviews and focus groups were conducted to explore the social support given and received by the men involved in Hockey FIT. A social cognitive model was used to illustrate how social support arising from group cohesiveness, friendly competition, family, and peers impacted self-esteem (characterized by accepting strengths, gaining a sense of belonging, and gaining a sense of accomplishment), which in turn produced positive health outcomes (heightened awareness, physical improvements, and healthy eating habits). This program is a successful gender-sensitized, hockey-based weight loss and healthy lifestyle program, the first of its kind in Canada. It provides insight into the multiple sources of social support available to men in sports-based intervention programs.
Recommended Citation
Scott, Ryan S., "Exploring men's social support in the Hockey Fans in Training weight loss and healthy lifestyle program" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4744.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4744