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Psychological and social adjustment of obese children and their families
H T Banis1, J W Varni, J L Wallander
1University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Insights
Obese children often face social and psychological challenges, including behavioral issues and lower self-esteem. Their families also tend to exhibit more negative interactions, suggesting an
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Childhood Obesity Research
- Family Dynamics Studies
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern with potential impacts on psychological and social well-being.
- Understanding the family environment is crucial for addressing behavioral and adjustment issues in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the psychological and social adjustment of obese children.
- To investigate the characteristics of families with obese children.
- To identify potential 'at risk profiles' for behavioral treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and Family Environment Scale (FES) for mothers.
- Administered the Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) to obese children.
- Compared findings with non-obese normative samples.
Main Results:
- Obese children demonstrated lower social competence and more behavior problems compared to peers.
- Obese children reported poorer self-perceptions.
- Families of obese children showed significantly more negative interaction patterns than non-distressed families.
Conclusions:
- Obese children may present an 'at risk profile' regarding social and psychological adjustment.
- Family interaction patterns are linked to the adjustment of obese children.
- Findings inform the development of behavioral interventions for childhood obesity.
Abstract:
The psychological and social adjustment of 30 obese children and their families was examined. Mothers completed the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Family Environment Scale; children completed the Self-Perception Profile for Children. The results consistently indicate that the obese children were less socially competent, had more behaviour problems, and had poorer self-perceptions than the non-obese normative samples. Families of obese children differed significantly from families in the non-distressed normative sample in that they interacted in a more negative way. The findings are discussed in terms of an 'at risk profile' and the implications for the behavioural treatment of obese children.