earticle

영어

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare physical self-concept, academic self-concept and depression among obese and over-weight and normal weight children. Methods: The 6th grade children in two elementary schools (n=287) completed self-report questionnaires measuring self-concept and depression. Results: The mean score of depression and self-concept in normal weight children were 9.76 and 92.59. In obese and over-weight children, depression and self-concept were 12.31 and 86.69 respectively. Subjects who were obese and over-weight showed significantly lower scores of physical self-concept (t=-4.621, p<.001) but not significantly low in academic self-concept (t=-1.065, p=.288) than normal weight children. Meanwhile, this study shows that subjects who were obese and over-weight were significantly higher level of depression than subjects in normal weight (t=2.480, p=.014). Conclusion: In conclusion, obese and over-weight children showed negative aspects in the developmental course. This study demonstrates that obese and over-weight children should be treated as a risk group who needs any professional help such as a school mental health program for normal development.