A Beacon of Health: Ultra-Orthodox Women Graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education

Abstract

This study examines the effect of a physical education bachelor’s degree program on the healthy lifestyle practices of ultra-Orthodox women. The study included 59 physical education teacher education (PETE) graduates and a group of 78 ultra-Orthodox women who specialized in “healthy activity” at a seminar. Variance analyses were used to analyze the data. The results indicate a significant improvement in the physical activity and nutrition habits of the PETE graduate women compared with the seminar trainee group. This comparative study provides evidence of the positive impact of higher education on the health behaviors of ultra-Orthodox women.