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. 2010 Sep;35(8):905-14.
doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsp140. Epub 2010 Jan 12.

The benefits of reciprocated friendships for treatment-seeking obese youth

Jennifer Reiter-Purtill  1 , Stephanie Ridel, Rachel Jordan, Meg H Zeller
Affiliations

The benefits of reciprocated friendships for treatment-seeking obese youth

Jennifer Reiter-Purtill et al. J Pediatr Psychol. 2010 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: The current study examined the attributes of the reciprocated friends (RF) of a group of clinically referred obese children and the impact of these friendships on emotional well-being.

Methods: Classroom visits for 87 obese youth [body mass index (BMI) >95th percentile; 8- to 16-years old) were completed to obtain peer reports of social functioning, including reciprocated friendships, and to identify a demographically similar non-overweight comparison peer (CPO, n = 76). Subsequently, data regarding self-reported emotional well-being were collected from 84 obese children and 74 CPOs.

Results: Most obese children (68%) had at least one RF in their classroom. RFs were similar socially to CPOs and functioned more adaptively in the peer environment relative to obese children. Among obese youth, having at least one reciprocated friendship moderated the effect of sensitive-isolated behavior on loneliness.

Conclusion: Friendships may be a source of support for better psychosocial outcomes for obese youth.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Regression lines for the association between peer perceptions of sensitive–isolated behavior (RCP) and self-reported loneliness (LSDQ) for obese children with and without a friend.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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