Abstract

SAPIENZA, Graziela; SCHOEN, Teresa  and  FISBERG, Mauro. Effects of psychological intervention on social competence of obese adolescents. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2014, vol.15, n.3, pp.612-622. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/14psd150305.

Obese adolescents have difficulties engaging in physical activities, becoming aware of the problems and consequences concerning obesity, as well as present psychological issues that harm social competence. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a psychological intervention, concomitant to parents counseling, in social competence and in the reduction of BMI of adolescents who participated a program of multidisciplinary intervention (psychological, nutritional and physical) for weight loss. 39 adolescents separated in 3 intervention groups: Complete experimental group (psychological intervention with adolescents and parents) - G1, Simple experimental group (psychological intervention with the parents) - G2 and control group (not having psychological intervention) - G3. All adolescents from the three groups practiced physical activities and had nutritional orientation. Anthropometric and nutritional evaluations were performed. Nine months after the intervention, adolescents from all groups have become more socially competent according to the parents, however those from G2 presented a higher percentage of alteration (33%, n=5). The psychological intervention focused on the development of social competence benefited the adolescents who attended programs for prevention and treatment of obesity, thus it influences positively the learning of important skills toward the social functioning, the adhesion to the program activities and the maintenance of results after a year of treatment. Parent must be included in the actions of the treatment program.

Keywords : Adolescence; Obesity; Psychological intervention; Social Competence; Social Skills.

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