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Are adolescents harmed when asked risky weight control behavior and attitude questions? Implications for consent
Angela A Celio1, Susan Bryson, Joel D Killen
1San Diego State University, University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, USA. btaylor@stanford.edu
Objectives:
This study explores whether asking minors about risky weight control behaviors and attitudes increases the frequency of those behaviors and attitudes.
Methods:
Participants were 115 sixth-grade girls who responded to questions on risky weight control behaviors and attitudes at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. An additional 107 girls, who had not been part of the baseline, provided data only at follow-up. The two groups were compared on risky weight control behaviors and attitudes at follow-up using chi-square analyses, Mann-Whitney U tests, Cohen's effect sizes, and odds ratios.
Results:
No evidence of a negative effect in the twice-assessed group was found. All rates decreased from baseline to follow-up.
Conclusions:
There is only minimal risk and perhaps even some benefit of asking questions about risky weight control behaviors and attitudes. Implications for determining appropriate consent procedures are discussed.