By: Odange Lexima

Abstract: This presentation will seek to determine how ethnic identity affects

the self-effi cacy of minority students. The purpose of this study is to

examine if the weight gain referred to as the “freshman 15” is a contributing

factor. This research is important because obesity has become a major

problem in our society. Studies shows that students who enter college

gain 8 to 15 pounds during their freshman year, which may contribute to

unhealthy eating habits, stress and questionable personal behavior. I have

surveyed 85 Radford University students to see if there is a correlation to

students gaining weight and other factors during their fi rst year in school. In

this survey questions are asked about eating habits, stress level and personal

behavior and based on those responses they may or may not be any correlation

to these factors. Student’s responses are going to be put into computer

data which may show how stress, eating habits and personal behavior may

contribute to weight gain.