Preadolescents' and parents' dietary coping efficacy during behavioral family-based weight control treatment

J Youth Adolesc. 2012 Jan;41(1):86-97. doi: 10.1007/s10964-011-9728-5. Epub 2011 Nov 12.

Abstract

Developmentally relevant high-risk dietary situations (e.g., parties where tempting foods are available) may influence overweight youth's weight control, as they increase risk for overeating. Better self-efficacy for coping with these situations-which preadolescents may learn from their parents-could foster successful weight control. Overweight preadolescents (N = 204) ages 7-12 years (67% female), each with one parent, separately completed the Hypothetical High-Risk Situation Inventory (HHRSI) pre- and post-weight loss treatment. The HHRSI assesses temptation to overeat and confidence in refraining from overeating in response to four high-risk dietary scenarios. Participants generated coping strategies for each scenario. Coping strategies and confidence increased and temptation decreased from pre- to post-weight loss treatment. Parents' increase in confidence from pre- to post-treatment was associated with preadolescents' and parents' weight loss. Tailoring treatments to enhance parents' coping skills (e.g., building strategies, targeting high temptation/low confidence scenarios) may maximize preadolescents' weight control.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Child
  • Diet
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hyperphagia / prevention & control*
  • Hyperphagia / psychology
  • Male
  • Maternal Behavior
  • Middle Aged
  • Overweight / psychology
  • Overweight / therapy*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Paternal Behavior
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Loss
  • Weight Reduction Programs*