Effect of Obesity in Self-esteem, Peer Victimization and Behavior Problems in Adolescents

Obesity is known to have adverse psychosocial impact in children and adolescents. This study aimed at understanding the relationship between self-esteem, peer victimization and behavior problems in obese adolescents. The sample consisted of 54 obese and 54 normal weight, school-going adolescents aged 11 to 16 years, based on specific criteria and were assessed individually using standard measures of self-esteem, peer victimization, and behavior problems. Results indicated that obese adolescents differed significantly from their counterparts only with respect to behavior problems (t=2.15; df=106; p <.05). There was no interactive effect of obesity and gender on self-esteem, peer victimization and behavior problems. But self-esteem (r= -.42; p<0.01) and behavioural problems (r=.24; p<0.05) showed a significantly negative and positive correlation, respectively, with peer victimization in obese adolescents. Based on these results it is concluded that obese adolescents may exhibit more behavioural problems than their counterparts. Obesity per se there may not be any significantly negative effect on self-esteem and peer victimization. But obese adolescents with low self-esteem and behavioural problems may be at risk for peer victimization.