Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated benefits of parental involvement in intervention programs for Childhood Obesity. However, limited research is available on Parent Readiness for Change. This study utilized archival data from the LLU Growing Fit Obesity Clinic to assess Parent Readiness for Change (PRC) and involvement in a 12- week multidisciplinary program for obese children, as a predictor of medical and psychological outcomes. Data from forty-nine children aged 6-16 (M= 10.47) were eligible and included. Their caregivers who participated in the program included; 86% mothers, 7 % fathers, and 7 % relatives. The caregiver mean age was M=39.6. PRC was assessed using a program developed measure based on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scale. A bi-weekly survey was administered to measure parental involvement. The Contemplation stage, had the highest mean score on the PRC {M = 35.27). Total PRC and Parental involvement did not contribute any unique variance to the models and was not a significant predictor of outcomes. A significant effect of Total PRC on attendance to parent support group sessions was observed, t (4) = 3.746, p

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Science and Technology

First Advisor

Kiti Freier Randall

Second Advisor

Joy G. Nichols

Third Advisor

David A. Vermeersch

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

M.A.

Year Degree Awarded

2008

Date (Title Page)

6-2008

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Obesity -- therapy; Parents -- psychology; Child Nutrition Physiology; Weight Loss; Overweight. Attitude; Parent-Child Relations.

Type

Thesis

Page Count

x; 102

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Download

Share

COinS