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. 2025 Aug 19;13(1):936.
doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-03272-0.

Investigating the effect of the family-centered empowerment model on the weight and self-concept of obese boys

Seyed Hossein Hosseini Motlagh  1 , FatemehSadat SeyedNematollah Roshan  2 , Farnaz Shishehgar  3
Affiliations

Investigating the effect of the family-centered empowerment model on the weight and self-concept of obese boys

Seyed Hossein Hosseini Motlagh et al. BMC Psychol. .

Abstract

Background: Obesity in children is a chronic problem that can lead to physical and psychological complications, including changes in self-concept. Since the family plays an important role in children's physical and mental health, it should be considered the central point in all healthcare interventions. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the family-centered empowerment model on the weight and self-concept of obese boys.

Methods: This research was a semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and control group. The sample size consisted of 30 male students between the ages of 9 and 12, with a BMI greater than the 95th percentile in each group (test-control). The family empowerment program was implemented in 4 steps (perceived threat, self-efficacy, self-esteem, evaluation) and during 8 sessions (45 min for each). The data collection tools were a demographic profile questionnaire, a Pirez and Harris standardized self-concept questionnaire, and a digital weight scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. The significance level was considered P ≤ 0.05.

Results: The results of the study showed that the average score of self-concept in the control group did not change significantly over time(P = 0.762), while in the test group, the average score of self-concept immediately after the intervention and after 1.5 months compared to before the intervention showed a significant increase (P = 0.038). There were no significant changes in the mean weight (P = 0.780) and BMI (P = 0.867) before and after the intervention in the control group, but statistically significant changes were seen in the mean weight (P = 0.040) and BMI (P = 0.039) in the test group.

Conclusions: Implementing a Family-Centered Empowerment Model improved self-concept and weight management in obese primary school boys. These outcomes may contribute to positive lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, healthier eating habits, and maintaining a normal weight.

Trial registration: Not applicable.

Keywords: Children; Family-centered empowerment; Obesity; Self-concept.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Study approval statement: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee of Tehran Azad University of Medical Sciences with the number REC.TMU.IAU.IR.1402.299 dated 2/20/2024. The study adhered to strict ethical guidelines to ensure the protection and well-being of all participants. Ethical considerations: This study was approved by the Research Council and Ethics Committee of the Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (Code REC.TMU.IAU.IR.1402.299, Date 20/02/2024). Participation in the study was completely voluntary for the participants, and non-participation did not affect their treatment process. The participants in the study were assured that the information would be confidential. Also, considering that the participants in the study were between the ages of 9 and 12, according to the ethical guidelines for research on vulnerable groups, written informed consent was obtained from the legal guardian. Finally, since the control group did not receive any intervention, they were given all educational materials in the form of a booklet to comply with research ethics. Consent for publication: Not Applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The family-centered empowerment model structure (Alhani, 2003)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The family-centered empowerment model structure used in this study
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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