Document Type
Article
Department/Program
Psychology
Journal Title
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
Pub Date
2012
Volume
41
Issue
1
First Page
67
Abstract
Shape and weight concerns among overweight pre-adolescents heighten risk for eating disorders and weight gain. Treatment and prevention efforts require consideration of psychosocial factors that co-occur with these concerns. This study involved 200 overweight pre-adolescents, aged 7-12 years (M age = 9.8; SD = 1.4), presenting for family-based weight control treatment. Hierarchical regression was used to examine the influence of pre-adolescents' individual characteristics and social experiences, and their parents' psychological symptoms, on shape and weight concerns as assessed by the Child Eating Disorder Examination. Findings revealed that higher levels of dietary restraint, greater feelings of loneliness, elevated experiences with weight-related teasing, and higher levels of parents' eating disorder symptoms predicted higher shape and weight concerns among overweight pre-adolescents. Interventions addressing overweight pre-adolescents' disordered eating behaviors and social functioning, as well as their parents' disordered eating behaviors and attitudes, may be indicated for those endorsing shape and weight concerns.
Recommended Citation
Sinton, Meghan M.; Wilfley, Denise E.; Goldschmidt, Andrea B.; and Aspen, Vandana, Psychosocial Correlates of Shape and Weight Concerns in Overweight Pre-Adolescents (2012). Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 41(1), 67-75.
10.1007/s10964-011-9686-y
DOI
10.1007/s10964-011-9686-y
