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Allison E. Hunter, MS, William T. Dalton, MA, Tamara J. Pugh, BA, Susan A. Sevier, Bettina M. Beech, DrPH, MPH, and Katherine M. Kitzmann, PhD. Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, 202 Psychology Building, Memphis, TN 38152, 901-678-3850, ahunter1@memphis.edu
Research suggests that overweight children, especially females, tend to report in a socially desirable manner on measures of eating behavior. This on-going study investigates social desirability effects on responses to questions about ability to eat healthy in normal and overweight children. These effects are predicted to be greater for girls and individuals with greater adiposity. The current sample (n = 30) of 8-12 year-old children in 3rd through 6th grades were enrolled in a university-affiliated public school. Anthropometric measures to determine weight/adiposity status; perceptions of child’s confidence in ability to eat healthy (e.g., “How sure are you that you can drink water every day?”); and social desirability (e.g., “I never lie.”) were assessed. Approximately 80% of the total sample were Caucasian. Over 25% (n=8) met the criteria for at-risk-for-overweight or overweight and 75% of these individuals were female. The overweight group showed a tendency to report in a more socially desirable manner, as demonstrated by a greater percentage (compared to normal weight) reporting “sort of sure” or “very sure,” as opposed to “not sure,” in belief in ability to eat healthy. Due to insufficient power of current sample size, no significant differences were found. However, the final sample size (n»50) should resolve this problem. Upon study completion a 2 (weight status) X 2 (gender) MANOVA will be performed, with social desirability and belief in ability to eat healthy as dependent variables. In tailoring weight gain prevention or weight loss programs for children, reliable reports about belief in ability to eat healthy are necessary.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.