Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the current level of awareness of the benefits of physical activity, healthy nutrition, and stress management and to evaluate the impact of a social marketing campaign on participants’ awareness of selected variables in a predominantly Hispanic community in the Rio Grande Valley. The investigator utilized experimental design with pre- & post- surveys conducted on 50 participants residing in the selected community. The results concluded that many individuals overestimate personal control to achieve success in situations involving choice. While the illusion of control seems to be adaptive for psychosocial functioning, overestimates of control contribute to dangerous risktaking including, amongst others, health functioning. Given the rise in chronic illness and obesity in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, development novel education and awareness programs that create consciousness of variables to can impact and enhance healthier lifestyle choices for Valley citizens, is of vital importance.