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Psychological Effects of Running on Foster and Adopted Children

Alexa Golbus and Ashley Golbus
Research 1
Chapin High School
May 1, 2015

Abstract

The purpose was to determine if a correlation existed between foster and adopted
children running regularly, and an increase in their peer relations, self-confidence, self-concept,
and learning ability. To determine this, a running club was formed. This program provided an
encouraging atmosphere, and allowed the children to set and achieve running goals. Prior to
participating, their legal guardian(s) completed a survey, regarding their child(ren).This survey,
based on the Likert scale, quantitatively measured each childs aptitude in each of the four
categories. The children then participated in this running program, which met each week, for the
duration of the academic year. At the end of the program, the survey was again completed by
each childs legal guardian(s). Matched pairs T-tests were used to compare the mean difference
of the scores, between the post-surveys and pre-surveys, in each category. The p-value for each
of the matched-pairs T-tests was less than .05, which indicates statistical significance. The null
hypothesis (Ho: UD= 0) is rejected and the alternative hypothesis (Ha: UD > 0) is confirmed. It
can be concluded that there is a correlation between foster and adopted children running
regularly, and an increase in their peer relations, self-confidence, self-concept, and learning
ability.

Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................4
Background....................................................................5
Procedure.......................................................................8
Results.........................................................................12
Conclusion....................................................................14
Appendix......................................................................15
References...................................................................17

Introduction
The purpose of this study is to determine if foster and adopted children psychologically
benefit from engaging in a running program, over the duration of an academic year. The
hypothesis is that there is a positive correlation between foster and adopted children running
regularly and an increase in their peer relations, self-confidence, self-concept, and learning
ability. A running club for foster and adopted children will be formed. Pre- and post-surveys will
be used to collect data to be used in determining the statistical significance of this study.

Background
Foster and adopted children commonly face behavioral issues including Attention Deficit
Disorder, disobedience, depression, aggression, and low self-confidence1. Running has been
proven to have significant emotional, psychological, and physical benefits. Running decreases
stress levels, anxiety, and depression, due to a release of endorphins and a subsequent increase in
serotonin and dopamine levels. Endorphins are classified as endogenous opioid polypeptides,
which are biochemical substances produced by the body and result in a feeling of euphoria,
commonly known as a runners high. During exercise, they are spread throughout the nervous
system and interact with opiate receptors, reducing the perception of pain and improving ones
psychological state2. Serotonin and dopamine are chemicals the body produces during exercise,
and contribute to the runners high. These are neurotransmitters in the brain, allowing signals to
pass between neurons, resulting in a feeling of pleasure3.
A similar study was done using two groups of mice; the control group remained
sedentary, while the experimental group exercised on a wheel. After six weeks, each group was
exposed to a stressor, cold water, and their brain activity and neural excitement was measured.
The brains of the active mice were better able to control the response to the stressor, resulting in
less anxiety when introduced to the stressor. This was due to the brains of these mice releasing
neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which reduces neural excitement. These
neurotransmitters are also released in the brains of humans who exercise, relieving anxiety 4.
A study was performed to determine the emotional effects of running on obese children.
207 obese children were involved in this study. The children were divided into a high dose
treatment group, low dose treatment group (completed a fraction of each workout), and a control

group (no exercise). Prior to the start of this exercise program, all children in each group
completed a depression and self-perception pre-survey and post-survey. After the completion of
this thirteen week study, the children then completed the same survey as a post-test. This study
determined that a correlation exists between exercise, reduced depression and increased selfperception in obese children. The results, while still significant in the low dose treatment group,
were most significant in the high dose treatment group5.
A study has also been performed, in Iran, to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on
female adolescents, under the care of pseudo family centers. This study divided subjects into an
exercise and a control group. The control group received no intervention. The control group
underwent aerobic exercises in pairs by the researcher and a physical education teacher. The
study subjects were selected from three pseudo family centers across Isfahan city and were
randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Aerobic exercise was performed for eight
weeks, three sessions per week, and sixty minutes per session. A self-questionnaire survey was
performed prior to the start of the exercise program, and a month after the completion of the
program. Using a t-test and chi square test, it was concluded that adolescent women in pseudo
family center have increased self-esteem after participating in an eight week exercise program6.
The study determining the physiological effects of running on foster and adopted children
is based on previous research, but attempts to expand and further previous discoveries. No study
has been performed exploring the effects of exercise on foster and adopted children. The study
performed using obese children as test subjects is different, as a different group is the target of
the study. A study has been performed to determine impact of exercise on the self-esteem of at
risk adolescent women. While foster and adopted children are considered an at risk group, this
previous study is different as it solely targets adolescent females in a foreign country, and only

focuses on self-esteem. As foster and adopted children are similarly an at risk group, and often
face behavioral, emotional, and psychological issues, it is believed that running could have a
similar effect, as it did on these at risk groups. This study will be groundbreaking, as no study, to
this effect or extent, has ever been performed. No study has ever been performed to investigate
the psychological effects of running on foster and adopted children.

Procedure
A running club for foster and adopted children was formed in August 2013, with the first
meeting being September 1, 2013. This running club, named Run for a Change, was registered as
a South Carolina non-profit Corporation, and was free and open to all foster and adopted
children. The running club met every Sunday, for the duration of the 2013-2014 academic year,
at Riverfront Park, from 3:00-4:30 pm.

The running club was advertised through local businesses, such as Fleet Feet Sports,
foster and adoption agencies including the Department of Social Services, as well as through The
State newspaper. This running program included six participants, spanning in age from five to
sixteen years old. All of the participants, at some point in their lives, were under the legal care of
the Department of Social Services. The participants were all in either foster or adoptive care.

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Prior to the start of the running program, the legal guardian(s) of each child completed a
survey, regarding their child(ren), based on the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. This survey acted as
a pre-test and asked questions regarding the childs self-esteem, self-confidence, learning ability,
and social/emotional/peer relations. This survey was completed by the legal guardian(s) of each
child, instead of by the child, in order to reduce possible voluntary response bias.
At the start of each meeting, participants warmed up and stretched, to prepare for the
workout. Participants were then organized into groups, based on age and ability. Each group, led
by an experienced Cross-Country athlete, ran between two and four miles, at each meeting. After
the run, the children enjoyed playing games, such as tag, eating snacks, and socializing.
Sponsors, including Fleet Feet sports, Earth Fare, Panera Bread Company, and Acosta Foods
supplied the participants with running shoes, as well as refreshments, water, and snacks for the
weekly runs.

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To encourage participation and to encourage the children to put forth their best effort, a
rewards system was created. Each week that a child tried his or her best, and had a positive
attitude, he or she received a bracelet. After six bracelets, the child would receive a reward, such
as a Run for a Change t-shirt or sports bag. Throughout the running program, the children
participated in two 5k running races. This provided the participants with an opportunity to see
their training and hard work pay off.

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Through forming and organizing a running program, we were able to develop teamwork
skills. We learned that persistence and dedication are necessary to achieve a goal. When working
with a larger corporation, business, or government agency, persistence is necessary. We were able
to learn the steps and paperwork necessary to register an organization as a South Carolina Nonprofit Corporation. We had several meetings with the managers and owners of the companies that
sponsored this running organization, which was a learning experience for us. In addition, we
learned how to communicate with, and help, troubled children.

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Results
Data was collected from the pre- and post-surveys given to foster and adoptive parents.
The data was analyzed using a matched-pairs T-test, to compare the pre- and post- survey results.
The null hypothesis was that there was no correlation between foster and adopted children
running regularly and their peer relations, self-confidence, self-concept, and learning ability, and
the alternative hypothesis was that there was a correlation. After analyzing the data, the p-value
was determined to be less than .05 for each of the four categories, meaning that statistical
significance was determined at =.05. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected, and the
alternative hypothesis was accepted. Thus, it was concluded that there is a correlation between
foster and adopted children running regularly and an increase in their peer relations, selfconfidence, self-concept, and learning ability.

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A limitation in this study was the relatively small amount of test subjects/ These six test
subjects may not accuratley represent the entire population of foster and adopted children. The
children that participated in the study were those whose legal guardians or parents were wililng
to involve them in extracurricular activities. In the future, to eliminate this bias, transportation
could be provided to involve more foster and adopted children, including those whose legal

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guardians would not be wiling to take them to activities. Additionally, to gain a larger amount of
participants, the running club could be advertised earlier.
In the future, this study could be expanded to determine whether an at risk group, such as
foster and adopted children, or a non-at risk group, such as a cross country team, benefits more
from running. Data would be collected from both groups, and the pre-surveys and post-surveys
among each group would be analyzed. Then, this data would be compared between the groups.

Conclusion
This project proves, with a confidence level of 95%, that foster and adopted children who
run regularly, experience improved levels of self-esteem, self-confidence, peer relations, and
learning ability. The participants learned valuable life lessons, through engaging in this program.
They were provided with a relaxed environment, allowing them to socialize and learn proper

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behavior. They learned to follow directions, which helped to improve their learning ability. The
children developed a more positive, optimistic attitude. They learned that to be successful at
running, it was necessary to be optimistic. The children then had the ability and resources
necessary to apply this mindset towards other parts of their lives. They became more confident in
their running ability. This sense of confidence and pride carried over to other parts of their lives.
The children were encouraged, praised, and rewarded, during the training runs and races. This
improved their self-esteem. Through a statistical analysis, it was proved that the hypothesis was
correct, and that foster and adopted children benefit psychologically from running regularly. The
implications of this study can help to improve the quality of foster and adopted childrens lives.

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Appendix

This shows the results of the T-test for

the difference of the means of the
post-survey pre-survey for the peer
relations category.

This shows the results of the T-test for

the difference of the means of the
post-survey pre-survey for the selfconfidence category.

This shows the results of the T-test for

the difference of the means of the postsurvey pre-survey for the self-concept
category.

This shows the results of the T-test for

the difference of the means of the postsurvey pre-survey for the learning
ability category.

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This is the survey that was completed by the legal guardians of the
participants of the study and served as both the pre-test and posttest.

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013, November 20). The AFCARS
report. Retrieved October 6, 2014, from www.acfhhs.gov/

Feng, Y., He, X., Yang, Y., Chao, D., Lazarus, L. H., & Xia, Y. (2012). Current Research on
Opioid Receptor Function. Current Drug Targets, 13(2), 230246.

Bureau of Consular Affairs. (2013). Statistics. Retrieved October 6, 2014, from

adoption.state.gov/

Petty, K., Davis, C., Tkacz, J., Young-Hyman, D., & Waller, J. (2009). Exercise effects in
depressive symptoms and self-worth in overweight children. Journal of
Pediatric Psychology, 34(9), 229-239. Retrieved September 16, 2014, from
http://jpepsy.oxfordjournals.org/

Petty, K., Davis, C., Tkacz, J., Young-Hyman, D., & Waller, J. (2009). Exercise effects in
depressive symptoms and self-worth in overweight children. Journal of
Pediatric Psychology, 34(9), 229-239. Retrieved September 16, 2014, from
http://jpepsy.oxfordjournals.org/

Marzieh Hasanpour, Mansooreh Tabatabaei, Mousa Alavi, and Vahid Zolaktaf, Effect of
Aerobics Exercise on Self-Esteem in Iranian Female Adolescents Covered by
Welfare Organization, The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, Article ID
456483, 6 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/456483

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