Abstract

CUNHA, Gicele et al. Physical self-concept and depressive symptoms in overweight children. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2021, vol.22, n.2, pp.547-555.  Epub Aug 31, 2021. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/21psd220219.

Physical self-concept (PSC) is a key factor related with personal acceptance, being relevant in changes in the self-perception and self-esteem, features associated with the onset of depressive symptoms (DS). The aim of this study was to examine possible associations between PSC and DS in overweight children in situation of social vulnerability. The DS were verified through the Children’s Depression Inventory and the PSC was measured by Cuestionario de Autoconcepto Físico. The sample was comprised by 73 (10.26±1.31 years old) overweight, obesity or severe obesity children. The variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies, mean and standard deviation. To compare them between sexes were used independent t test and chi-square test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the associations between the PSC and DS. The level of significance adopted was 5%. The results indicated that 7.4% of children are at increased risk of depression. Boys showed higher values (p<0.05) than girls in the total score and in four of the six domains of the PSC. Inverse associations between the different domains of the PSC and DS were found (p<0.05). However, when performed by sex, the associations remain statistically significant only among boys. In conclusion, boys who are overweight and have lower PSC tend to have higher levels of DS

Keywords : Depression; physical self-concept; students; obesity.

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