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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Amy R. Beck, BS¹, Cecilia Dueñas, BA¹, Danusia Nedilskyj, MA¹, Kim Y. Hamai, MD², and Kiti Freier, PhD³. (1) Department of Psychology/School of Science and Technology, Loma Linda University, 11130 Anderson St., Suite 102, Loma Linda, CA 92354, 909-478-5615, amyrbeck@gmail.com, (2) Department of Pediatrics/School of Medicine, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, 11234 Anderson St., Loma Linda, CA 92354, (3) School of Science & Technology, Loma Linda University, Graduate School, Central Building 11130 Anderson, Loma Linda, CA 92350

In the US, at least 25% of children are overweight, signifying a public health crisis with potential long-lasting medical and psychological implications. This study was conducted in a multi-sector, community-based pediatric overweight/obesity treatment program aiming to increase health-promoting behaviors such as exercise, proper nutrition habits, and adaptive emotional components, specifically positive self-esteem (N=291, ages 11-18). A previous study revealed that body mass index was not a predictor of readiness for change in this population. Thus psychological characteristics and child self-report of readiness for change necessary for improving health and losing weight were evaluated. Children who were most aware of an overweight problem and who were at least at the contemplative state for change reported stronger interpersonal relationships (N=4, p<.05), less somatization (N=4, p=.08), less anxiety (N=4, p<.05), fewer suicidal ideations (N=123, p<.05), and less internalization (N=40, p<.05) than those who were unaware of this problem. Children who were more involved in identifying feelings and situations that promote changes in eating behavior reported less social stress (N=4, p=.07), less aggressive behavior (N=40, p<.05), a more internal locus of control (N=4, p=.05), less anxiety/depression (N=40, p<.05), fewer suicidal ideations (N=122, p<.05), and less externalization (N=40, p<.05) than children who did not identify those feelings and situations. These data suggest that there are potential psychological profiles of overweight children who are ready to make healthful changes. Knowledge of these profiles is useful for obesity treatment programs in order to assist overweight children to attain the most effective and potentially lasting health behavior changes.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Articulate differences between cognitive readiness for change and emotional readiness for change constructs in a pediatric overweight population.
• Discuss potential psychological profiles of children who are either cognitively or emotionally ready to make healthful changes.

Keywords: Child Health Promotion, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered