Family functioning and psychosocial adjustment in overweight youngsters

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Abstract
Objective To analyze the relationship between family functioning and psychosocial adjustment in Dutch overweight children and adolescents. Method Seventy‐three overweight (weight‐for‐height >P90) and 70 normal‐weight youngsters between the ages of 10 and 16 years were recruited by school physicians during routine medical screening. The Family Dimension Scale, the Child Behavior Checklist, the Teacher Report Form, the Self‐Perceived Competence Scale, and the Body‐Esteem Scale were filled out, as well as a specific weight‐related questionnaire. Results Both parents and teachers report more behavior problems in overweight children, particularly in the younger than 13 age group. Lower body‐esteem was found in older overweight girls, whereas in older overweight boys higher levels of body‐esteem were found. More significant relationships were found with the weight‐related Parental Concern Scale than with the Family Dimension Scale. Discussion The results suggest that a developmental psychological approach reveals important age and sex differences. Weight‐related instruments may be more useful than general questionnaires. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 27: 110–114, 2000.