| The recent rise in childhood obesity is of grave concern as obesity can cause chronic health problems and is related to impaired psychological functioning. The health behaviors of parents, as well as their weight status, can have a large impact on their child's weight status. Children under the age of 10 are at an increased risk of developing obesity as adults if they have an obese parent, compared to children with normal weight parents. Caregivers can serve as positive role models for their children and can help to implement positive health behaviors. Caregivers' participation in pediatric weight management programs appears to promote better results for children, and many programs rely on caregivers to make numerous health behavior changes for their family. Despite the important role that caregivers play in pediatric weight management programs, they appear to receive little direct support and attention. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a psychoeducation and support group program for caregivers with children enrolled in weight management programs. The broad goals of the program are to help caregivers implement long-term changes in their family and to decrease attrition rates in pediatric weight management programs. The specific goals of the treatment are to provide psychoeducation, stress reduction/ control, and the acquisition of healthy coping skills, as well as a supportive environment for caregivers. |
