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Journal Article 1: Sanderson, S., Lupinski, K., & Moch, P. (2013). Is big really beautiful? Understanding body image perceptions of African American females. Journal of Black Studies, 44, 496–507.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to obtain body image information from African American (AA) college-age women (age 18-25) from a historically Black college and/or university (HBCU) and a predominately White college (PWC) with regard to their body image, body shape, appearance, and related factors. Findings from this study will provide the health education profession with valuable information on body image from a cultural perspective of AA women. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze comparisons between the two groups. Results from the Young Women’s Experiences with Body Weight and Shape were analyzed using five different factors: weight dissatisfaction, slimness as quality of life, interpersonal messages regarding slimness, rejecting the value of thinness, and valuing exercise. Significant differences were found with: weight dissatisfaction (p = .010), slimness as quality of life (p = .000), and interpersonal messages regarding slimness (p = .000). AA women at the HBCU were more satisfied with their body image on these three factors and similar to AA women at the PWC on two factors: rejecting the value of thinness (p = .229) and valuing exercise (p = .828). These findings will assist in developing programming based on racial differences and similarities.

Journal Article 2: McElveen, M., & Rossow, A. (2014). Relationship of intramural participation to GPA and retention in first-time-in-college students. Recreational Sports Journal, 38, 50–54.

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation is to examine the relationship of intramural participation with academic performance and retention rates in first time in college (FTIC) students. Intramural participation of all students was tracked during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. An intramural database of participants was cross-referenced with an institutional database to compare grade point average (GPA) and retention rates based on intramural participation. There was no significant difference in GPA between the intramural participation groups as determined by one-way ANOVA, F(2, 586) = 1.669, p = .189 (during the fall 2010 semester) or F(2, 557) = .102, p = .903 (during the spring 2011 semester). The retention rate was 5.9% higher in those FTIC students that participated in intramurals. The results support the consideration of intramural participation as a factor in increasing retention through providing opportunities for campus engagement without the fear of hindering academic performance.