Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial differences among obese pediatric patients, particularly those who
are “extremely obese” as compared to “obese.” Information was collected for 249 subjects at a multidisciplinary treatment
clinic for obese youth. A battery of measures was administered and demographic data and height/weight was obtained. The results
showed positive correlations between degree of obesity, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Specifically, the “extremely
obese” were significantly more depressed, more socially anxious, and had poorer quality of life than the “obese” group. Girls
and Caucasians were more socially anxious than boys and African Americans, respectively. There is mounting evidence that children
and adolescents who are extremely obese are most at risk for psychiatric and medical disorders. Thus, targeting this group
for assessment and/or designing treatment options specific for “extremely obese” youth is critical for the successful management
of this population.
are “extremely obese” as compared to “obese.” Information was collected for 249 subjects at a multidisciplinary treatment
clinic for obese youth. A battery of measures was administered and demographic data and height/weight was obtained. The results
showed positive correlations between degree of obesity, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Specifically, the “extremely
obese” were significantly more depressed, more socially anxious, and had poorer quality of life than the “obese” group. Girls
and Caucasians were more socially anxious than boys and African Americans, respectively. There is mounting evidence that children
and adolescents who are extremely obese are most at risk for psychiatric and medical disorders. Thus, targeting this group
for assessment and/or designing treatment options specific for “extremely obese” youth is critical for the successful management
of this population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10880-011-9293-9
- Authors
- B. Allyson Phillips, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Shari Gaudette, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 1 Children’s Way, Slot 512-21, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, USA
- Andy McCracken, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 1 Children’s Way, Slot 512-21, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, USA
- Samiya Razzaq, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 1 Children’s Way, Slot 512-21, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, USA
- Kealie Sutton, Department of Psychology, Harding University, Searcy, AR, USA
- Lucy Speed, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Julia Thompson, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
- Wendy Ward, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 1 Children’s Way, Slot 512-21, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, USA
- Journal Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
- Online ISSN 1573-3572
- Print ISSN 1068-9583