Correlation Between Obesity, Emotional, Social Well-being, and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents

Abstract

Obesity is considered a multivariate syndrome, which negatively affects the whole body's functioning. Poor health conditions resulting from obesity may act as a barrier to developing a sound mind, thus paving the way for poor learning behavior and outcome. This study explored the correlation between obesity, emotional and social well-being, and adolescent behavioral problems. A quantitative approach using descriptive-correlational design was employed. The 120 students served as respondents to the study. The following research instruments were used: Respondents’ Profile Questionnaire, Respondents’ Emotional Well-being Questionnaire, Respondents’ Social Well-being Questionnaire, and Respondents' Behavioral Problems Questionnaire. Mean and standard deviation and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data gathered. There were more overweight than obese among the respondents of the study. Results showed that respondents' well-being is high as they manifest a low level of stress and emotional eating. In addition, they manifest a high level of social interaction and a low level of behavioral problems. The respondents' social well-being as social contact was greatly influenced by the respondents' level of obesity. Other variables and constructs were not affected by their level of obesity. It is recommended that stakeholders in education, sports, and health put a mechanism to guide all school learners to participate in physical activities. Keywords : learning behavior, level of stress, multivariate syndrome, poor health condition, social interaction