Citation

Mitchell TB, Steele RG. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2016; 41(7): 768-776.

Affiliation

Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas rsteele@ku.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsv163

PMID

26791390

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:  To examine the indirect effect of body mass index z-score (BMIz) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in a community sample of preadolescent children, and the degree to which negative affect moderated the association between BMIz and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.  METHODS:  Participants included 165 children between 8 and 12 years of age (M = 9.41). HRQOL, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, and negative affect were assessed using self-report measures. Height and weight were collected by research staff.  RESULTS:  Consistent with previous research in treatment-seeking and adolescent samples, the indirect effect of BMIz on HRQOL through disordered eating attitudes and behaviors was significant. Negative affect did not moderate the relationship between BMIz and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.  CONCLUSION:  Intervening on disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in preadolescents with higher weight status is critical to prevent the risk for poor HRQOL.

Language: en