Empowering Black Girls Through Joy, Strength, and Sisterhood: The Smart Fit Girls, Black Girl Joy Program

Authors

ALEXIS O. POPE, California State University, Long BeachFollow
Kellie Amanda Walters, California State University, Long BeachFollow

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Compared to adolescent boys, girls are more likely to be obese, sedentary, and experience psychosocial distress such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Physical activity (PA) is strongly linked to psychosocial well-being, particularly in girls, yet girls of color face fewer opportunities to engage in structured PA programs. PURPOSE: Smart Fit Girls, Black Girl Joy (SFG BGJ) is a culturally immersive 7-week program combining PA, nutrition, and psychosocial lessons to strengthen psychosocial well-being in Black middle school girls. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was used with 6th–8th graders in the Long Beach Unified School District. Quantitative data was collected via pre/post electronic surveys including the Body Esteem Scale, Single-Item Self-Esteem Scale, Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, anxiety and depression measures, and the Self-Compassion Scale. Qualitative data from post-program focus groups was collected to explore participants’ experiences. Survey mean scores were calculated and compared across grade levels. RESULTS: A cross-sectional analysis of pre-data demonstrated that there was a decrease in physical activity enjoyment from 6^th to 8^th grade. Compared to other grade levels, seventh graders consistently reported the lowest mean scores for most outcome measures. Participants reported greater than average anxiety and depression scores for their age group. CONCLUSION: Smart Fit Girls Black Girl Joy (SFG BGJ) aims to improve middle school Black girls’ psychological and physical health. We predict an increase in all outcome measures when the pre/post data analysis is conducted. Focusing on assessing these measures of body esteem, self-compassion, anxiety, and depression in grade levels of 6^th-8^th graders is imperative to support underrepresented groups that experience psychological and physical barriers to physical activity at an early age. Facilitating programs that utilize physical activity, and culturally relevant activities can help improve the mental health of adolescents.

Recommended Citation

POPE, ALEXIS O. and Walters, Kellie Amanda (2025) "Empowering Black Girls Through Joy, Strength, and Sisterhood: The Smart Fit Girls, Black Girl Joy Program," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 5, Article 79.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/79