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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
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Personality and overweight in 6-12-year-old children.
S E Hampson1, M E Vollrath2,3, P B Júlíusson4,5
1Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, OR, USA.
Pediatric Obesity
|February 28, 2015
Summary
Children
Area of Science:
- Child psychology
- Pediatric health
- Obesity research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern.
- Personality traits are an understudied factor in pediatric weight status.
- Understanding personality's role is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between personality traits and weight status in children.
- To identify specific personality characteristics associated with overweight and obesity in youth.
- To provide insights into potential psychological mechanisms underlying childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 1533 children aged 6-12 years was assessed.
- Mothers completed the Norwegian Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children (NHPIC).
- Mothers reported children's height and weight to determine weight status.
Main Results:
- Overweight children exhibited lower energy, optimism, compliance, concentration, perseverance, and self-confidence compared to normal-weight peers.
- Overweight children were rated higher on egocentricity, irritability, and anxiety.
- Specific personality profiles are associated with increased risk of childhood obesity.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits are significantly associated with childhood weight status.
- Findings suggest personality may influence the development of childhood obesity.
- Further research into these personality-obesity links can inform prevention and treatment strategies.
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