AN EVALUATION OF ENHANCED SELF-REGULATION TRAINING IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Obese children (8-13 years old) and at least one of their parents part icipated in a behaviorally oriented treatment program. Participants in a standard treatment condition experienced a multicomponent intervent ion in which parents were given primary responsibility for following p rogram prescriptions. An enhanced child involvement condition provided the same basic intervention but with greater emphasis on, and trainin g in, child self-regulation. Children in both conditions achieved a si gnificant reduction in percentage overweight and triceps skin-fold dur ing the 6-month treatment period. Overall, the follow-up period of 3 y ears was characterized by increases above posttreatment levels. There was, however, some suggestion in the 3-year follow-up results and the long-term patterns over a 6 1/2-year period of the benefits of the enh anced child involvement approach. Findings are discussed in terms of s uggestions for reconsideration of treatment goals, improved interventi ons, and refinements in the assessment of self-regulatory behavior.