Abstract
coefficient, r = −0.37, p<0.01), physical appearance(r = − 0.3, p<0.01), social acceptance (r = −0.29, p<0.01) and global self-worth (r = −0.37, p<0.01) compared with normal weight children. Girls scored lower in scholastic competence (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = −0.09, p<0.05), social acceptance (r = −0.13, p<0.001) and global self-worth (r = −0.14, p<0.001) compared with boys. Children with low global self-worth have 29% more probability to be girl. (odds ratio=0.71, p<0.01, CI: 0.55-0.91). Conclusions High body weight impacts the self-perception of children entering adolescence, especially in girls, but in selected areas of competence. Children with high body weight are at particular risk of low global self-worth, scholastic competence and social acceptance. Quantifying risk of psychological distress should help in arguing for more resources in maintaining a normal body weight in children.
Highlights
There is variation in the psychological distress associated with child body weight
The aim of the study was to determine the associations between body weight, gender and self-esteem in Greek primary schoolchildren
High body weight impacts the self-perception of children entering adolescence, especially in girls, but in selected areas of competence
Summary
There is variation in the psychological distress associated with child body weight. Low self-esteem, when observed, provides very little information about the nature of the distress and no indication of the proportion of children with high body weight affected [1-4]. There is a difference in self-esteem among boys and girls. This study used a domain approach to self-competence to evaluate selfesteem in a sample of children from the prefecture of Ioannina, Greece [8-15]. The aim of the study was to determine the associations between body weight, gender and self-esteem in Greek primary schoolchildren
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