The Characteristics Of Intelligence, Behavior And Self-concept In Children With Simple Obesity

[Objective] To study the characteristics of intelligence, behavior and self-concept in simple obese children, and provide the theoretical evidence for psychological treatment of simple obese children.[Methods] 581 children aged from 7 to 11 years old in Taian were chosen. 151 simple obese children, 430 normal children and their parents were investigated with self-made inventory questionnaire, Ravin's Standard Progressive Matrices, Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist(CBCL), Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale(PHCSS), Association between obesity and intelligence, behavior problems, self-concept in school children were analyzed.[Results](1) There were 581 cases of students aged from 7 to 11,including 151 simple obese children . The prevalence of obesity was 25.99%. The prevalence of obesity of boys was 31.29%. The prevalence of obesity of girls was 19.93%.(2) There was no difference in total intelligence quotient and the number of correct test questions in Ravin's Standard Progressive Matrices between obese children and normal children, but the number of correct test questions of similarity in obese boys is larger than that in normal boys, the number of correct test questions of similarity, comparison and series relation in obese girls is larger than that in normal girls. (3)The occurrence rate of behavior problems in boys with simple obesity was higher than that in normal boys( X~2=7.742, P<0.01). Somatic complaints and aggressive were more common in males with obesity than those in normal ones (p<0.05 ) . The scores in schizoid, depressed, immaturity, obsessive behavior, social withdrawal, offensive behavior and total score were higher compared with normal ones (P<0.01 ). The occurrence rate of behavior problems in girls with simple obesity was higher than that in normal girls( X~2=6.482, P<0.05). Restless behavior was more common in females with obesity than those in normal ones ( P<0.01 ) . The scores in social withdraw , somatic complaints, aggressive and total score were higher compared with normal ones;(4).Children with obesity had decreased self-concept. The scores of self-conceptin boys with obesity were lower in intelligence, anxiety, happiness and toial score compared with normal ones. The scores of sell-concept in girls with obesity were lower in gregarious, happiness and total score compared with normal ones. (5)The study showed that the high level BMI means the low intelligence level, the low scores of self-concept, the high scores of behavior in children.[Conclusions] Children with obesity had special neuropsychological characters. Their intelligence quotients were normal. There was no difference between obese children and normal children in Ravin's Standard Progressive Matrices. The occurrence rate of behavior problems in children with obesity was higher than in normal children. Children with obesity had decreased self-concept. We should be paid more attention to psychological treatment in children with simple obesity.