Processes of Identification in Families Enrolled in a Childhood Obesity Intervention: A Qualitative Study of Identities and Roles

Abstract

Family involvement is important in interventions targeting childhood obesity. However, family-based interventions have limited impact. Being labeled obese or overweight and/or perceiving oneself as overweight is associated with weight gain over time. The links between weight perception, labelling, as well as individual and familial identities need to be studied more closely. This paper examines how dynamics of identity and identification within the family impact how the intervention is implemented into daily practices. The dataset consists of 15 semi-structured family interviews with a total of 15 children and 21 parents. The study showed an intense focus on the children’s weight and weight loss. Identification as overweight or obese determined how the members of the enrolled families approached the intervention. Children and other family members who identified themselves as being overweight or obese took more responsibility for their own health behavior, but not necessarily in a positive manner. This often resulted in conflicts within the families. Healthcare professionals working with childhood obesity interventions need to consider how to deal with family identity dynamics to secure support as different identities within the family predicts whether the family members find the intervention relevant and whether the intervention was implemented positively into daily life.