Schulerfahrungen und Gesundheitsverhalten von Grundschulkindern

The school setting is relevant for children’s health behavior. The role of emotional and social school experiences for health behavior was examined in a sample of 300 third- and fourth-grade primary school children from 22 school classes.

The special feature of the study was to record subjective health behaviors through a self-assessment of primary school children and to explain them using modifiable predictors of the school context.

The children answered questionnaires on classroom climate, social integration, and the school self-concept on the one hand and protective and nutritional behavior on the other. The data were analyzed at the class and at the individual level.

In general, girls reported better health behavior than boys. The class differences in school experiences were also associated with differences in health behavior. After controlling for class, age, and gender effects, a good class climate was associated with favorable nutritional behavior. In addition, the school self-concept also proved to be a significant correlate of both protective and health behavior.

Starting points for school health promotion can therefore also consist of promoting a good classroom climate and strengthening the school’s self-concept.