Self‐Concept and Obesity Risk in Low Income Diverse Preschoolers

Abstract

OBJECTIVEOlder obese children have reported lower levels of self‐esteem than normal weight children. The developmental course of weight‐related impacts on self‐concept has not been well‐documented. We examined associations among domains of self‐concept and child sex, ethnicity, and weight status in a sample of low‐income, diverse preschoolers.METHODsSelf‐concept and pediatric weight status were collected at baseline as part of the Colorado LEAP study. Participants were 253 low income preschoolers (54.8% female; 39.5% Hispanic; mean age 4.65 y). Self‐concept was measured with an assessment that quantified children's self‐perceptions in 4 domains (Cognitive Competence, Physical Competence, Peer Acceptance, & Maternal Acceptance). Weight status and classification were calculated based on measured height and weight. Statistical analysis included Pearson's Correlations and independent t‐tests (α<.05).RESULTSDomains of self‐concept were highly inter‐correlated (p<0.01). Children with low perceived Maternal and Peer Acceptance also reported low Cognitive and Physical Competence, independent of weight status, sex, and ethnicity. Measures of self‐concept were not related to child weight status or classification and nor did they differ according to sex, ethnicity, or weight status.CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that weight status in low‐income preschool‐aged children does not yet influence self‐perceptions related to maternal and peer acceptance or cognitive or physical competence.