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The relationship between self-esteem and depression in obese children
D Sheslow1, S Hassink, W Wallace
1Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|October 29, 1993
Summary
Obese children often experience depression and lower self-esteem compared to their peers. This study found a significant inverse relationship between depression severity and self-esteem in pediatric patients undergoing weight management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Childhood Obesity Research
- Mental Health in Children
Background:
- Obesity in children is a growing concern.
- Previous research suggests a link between childhood obesity, self-esteem, and depression.
- Understanding these psychological impacts is crucial for effective weight management programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of depression and self-esteem issues in obese pediatric patients.
- To examine the relationship between depression levels and self-esteem in this population.
- To identify associated psychological and behavioral problems in depressed obese children.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-one obese children (ages 5-17) in a weight management program were assessed.
- The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS) were administered.
- Patients were categorized into depressed, borderline depressed, and normal groups based on CDI scores.
Main Results:
- 16 children were classified as depressed, 11 as borderline, and 24 as normal.
- Depressed and borderline groups showed significantly lower self-esteem than the normal group.
- Increased depression correlated with decreased self-esteem, anxiety, perceived behavior problems, and lower happiness/popularity scores.
Conclusions:
- Obese pediatric patients in weight management programs exhibit significant depression and lowered self-esteem.
- Depression severity is inversely related to self-esteem in this cohort.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health in pediatric obesity interventions.
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