A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF PONDEROSITY, BODY-IMAGE, SELF-CONCEPT, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES IN CHILDREN

The association between changes in body mass index over 1 year and mea sures of psychological functioning was evaluated in 314 boys and 253 g irls with a mean age of 9 years. Anthropometric evaluations and standa rdized surveys were administered to students in all fourth-grade class es of seven suburban schools in the fall of two consecutive school yea rs. Increases in body mass index were significantly associated with un favorable changes in physical activity attitudes, activity preferences , perceived physical activity competence, self-concept, and body image . There was limited support for a hypothesis that overweight children are more sensitive to changes in body shape than non-overweight childr en. The finding of negative psychological consequences associated with increases in body mass index among children suggests that children ma y be overconcerned with body weight and shape.