Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Parental depression, family functioning, and obesity among African American children
Melvin Davis1, LaShun Young, Sheila P Davis
1Department of Psychology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217-0350, USA. melvin.davis@jsums.edu
Abstract:
Obesity has reached an epidemic level in America (National Center for Health Statistics [NCHS] 1999), and this epidemic is more acute for African Americans than for other groups of Americans. In this study, 44 parent-child dyads completed measurements of height, weight, depression, and body fat composition. In addition, parents completed a demographic questionnaire, and instruments, which measured family functioning, parental psychopathology, child behavior, and cardiovascular risks. Several models emerged for predicting childhood and parental body mass index, parental depression, and child behavioral problems. Findings indicated a role for parental depression in childhood obesity. These findings are discussed in light of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, and the family's role in childhood obesity.
Related Concept Videos
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Obesity
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
