Dysfunctional schemas and eating pathology in overweight youth: a case-control study

Dysfunctional schemas and eating pathology in overweight youth: a case-control study

Van Vlierberghe, L., & Braet, C. (2007). Dysfunctional schemas and psychopathology in referred obese adolescents. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 14(5), 342-351. doi:10.1002/cpp.546

Objective: Referred obese adolescents often display psychological problems. The present study aimed at investigating whether Young's schema theory constitutes a comprehensive framework to understand psychopathology in youth in general and in referred obese adolescents in particular. Methods: 91 youngsters referred for obesity treatment and 91 normal weight controls (all between 12 and 18 years of age) filled out the Young Schema Questionnaire and the Youth Self- Report. Parents were asked to complete the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: The obese youngsters displayed an overall greater severity of dysfunctional schemas than normal weight controls. The obese group scored significantly higher for the schemas Emotional Deprivation, Social Isolation/Alienation, Defectiveness/Shame, Failure to Achieve, Dependence/Incompetence and Subjugation. Social Isolation/ Alienation and Vulnerability to Harm/Illness were highly predictive for internalizing symptoms in youth. The schemas Entitlement and Dependence/Incompetence were predictive for externalizing symptoms in youth. Conclusion: Referred obese individuals display high levels of maladaptive schemas and these are generally related to internalizing and externalizing symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Control (Psychology); In Adolescence; Eating Behavior; Eating Disorders; Symptoms; Self Concept; Pediatric Obesity; Adolescence; Analysis of Variance; Body Mass Index; Case Control Studies; Clinical Assessment Tools; Comparative Studies; Depression; Descri

Belgium

Clinical

Early maladaptive schemas

Comparison between clinical group/s and/or healthy adult controls