Evaluation of depression, anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, and self-esteem in children and adolescents with obesity

Abstract

ObjectivePediatric obesity negatively affects many areas of mental health, especially anxiety and depression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of obesity on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and emotion regulation in children and adolescents. MethodsOur study included 50 children and adolescents aged 11–17 years with a diagnosis of obesity and 48 control participants. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Piers–Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale 1 (PHCSCS) were administered to all participants. ResultsA significant difference was found between the groups (p < 0.05) in the analysis of the PHCSCS and RCADS total score; the GAD, PD, SOC, and MDD subscale scores; the DERS total score; the Clarity, Impulse, Strategies, Goals subscale scores; and the RSE Self-Esteem subscale. A significant correlation was found between the PHCSCS, RCADS, DERS, and RSE total scores and some subscale scores (p < 0.05). ConclusionOn the basis of the results, it was determined that children and adolescents with obesity had high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, they had lower self-esteem, and had more difficulties in emotion regulation. Furthermore, those with anxiety and depression symptoms had lower self-esteem, and the children who had problems in emotion regulation also had lower self-esteem. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulties in emotion regulation can negatively affect obesity treatment. Therefore, screening and treatment of these conditions are of great importance.