Date of Award

1985

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

First Advisor

Richard Rickert

Second Advisor

Susan A. Myers

Third Advisor

Martha Morrow

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the Wholistic Lifestyle Assessment as a tool to predict the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Experiment 1 was conducted as a pilot study at Hope Presbyterian Church. Experiment 2 was conducted at the Spring Fitness Festival at the Bridgeton Community Center. There were 52 volunteers at the Fitness Festival who completed the questionnaire. The Wholistic Lifestyle Assessment included questions on demographic information, family history, and both direct and indirect questions related to the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated for all variables . Pearson Product Moment Correlations between all measurements were computed . A surprising finding of this study was that although two- thirds of the participants claimed that they regularly engaged in a vigorous physical activity, the nutritional practices of the participants were generally poor . Not surprisingly, a significant percentage of persons were overweight. A number of risk factors correlated significantly with believing that one's M.D. is responsible for one ' s health and lacking a sense of purpose in life . This indicates a need for health professionals to provide guidance and motivation to help individuals assume responsibility for their health . There were also significant correlations with history of heart disease and risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking and frequent use of alcohol. These findings suggest that environmental influences may contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease . Significant correlations were found for the risk factors of cardiovascular disease with being widowed , separated, and divorced . These findings confirm the results of previous studies . This present study has shown that the Wholistic Lifestyle Assessment bas validity as an assessment tool for the sample of people surveyed. This questionnaire has identified behavior patterns which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

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