Abstract

BORDIGNON, Suelen  and  TEODORO, Maycoln L. M.. Relationship between body image, self-concept and depression traits in different nutritional status' school children. Aletheia [online]. 2011, n.34, pp. 19-31. ISSN 1413-0394.

Still remains controversial the associations between psychological constructs and nutritional status.The aim of this research was compared self-concept, depressive traits, body satisfaction and perception between overweight and normal weight children. The sample comprised 45 boys and 34 girls between 7 and 12 old, who answered Sociodemographic and Body Questionnaire, the Escala Piers-Harris de Autoconceito, Children's Figure Rating Scale, Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and their weight and height were measured. Results showed no associations between self-concept and depressive traits with the different nutritional status. However, the difference was significant when these comparisons were made with body perception and satisfaction. Normal weight and overweight children's groups did not present significant difference with regard to the nutritional status perception. Moreover, scholars related parent's request for to eat more, even they have overweight. So, depression traits and self-concept in children seem to be more associated with a perception and dissatisfaction with body than with the nutritional status.

Keywords : Body image; Overweight; Self-concept.