Date of Award
Spring 1990
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Hennessey, Jean
Second Advisor
Brown, Ardene
Third Advisor
Kowatsch, Judy
Abstract
A descriptive study was conducted of fifty children in grades four and six to increase understanding of children's belief about health. Data were collected in the school classrooms using tow instruments: 1) The Parcel-Meyer Children's Health Locus of Control Scale (CHLC), and 2) a health questionnaire consisting of three open-ended questions in which children described their feelings about health. Responses were tabulated by frequency and assigned to categories. Children's responses about health were found to be consistent with steps outlined by Piaget. Health had personal meaning for all the children, indicated by descriptive terms used to state how it feels to be healthy and not healthy. Both fourth and sixth grade children conceptualized health as a positive feeling state which enabled them to do desired things. Some differences were seen between fourth and sixth grade groups. The sixth graders expressed more understanding of physiological functions than fourth graders, and sixth graders had a more internally directed locus of control.
Recommended Citation
Cato, Mary L., "Health Beliefs of School-Age Children" (1990). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3223.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3223