Self-Reflective Thoughts and Self-Practices of Obese Children: A Case Study of Grade 6 Children in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

     A qualitative study of obese children regarding self-reflective thoughts and self-reactions to their obesity was conducted using some grade 6 students in Ubon Ratchathani province. The objective of the study was to explore the self-reflective thoughts and self-practices related to the obesity of these children. The 16 participants were grade 6 students who were identified as obese using body mass index criteria. Data were collected between September 2011 and February 2012 by non-participative observation, pictorial ethnography , written self-stories, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. The findings revealed that most parents encouraged their children by promoting and providing healthy food consumption as well as encouraging independent food intake. Consequently, children learned pleasure in eating and overindulging as practiced by their families. This led children to “impulsive eating practices” and they seemed unable to control their poor eating habits. However, most family members had tried to intervene by punishing and blaming obese children rather than showing them a healthy food intake that was most appropriate. Furthermore, self-mastery was displayed by children who are at risk of obesity. Negotiation with their parents in order to continue their food consumption behaviors was utilized though it seemed easier and more comfortable for parents to regulate their obese children. However, it was difficult for obese children to control their hunger and their desire to eat more. Their own concepts were to redefine an overweight body to be viewed as healthy and useful. Also, they avoided some preferred activities and to maintain their current behavioral set and so were forced to participate in these activities to avoid the increased risk of suffering from serious health conditions. It is suggested that parents should teach food eating discipline and teach their children how to think and decide what types of healthy food they should eat at a very young age. The parents of obese children should participate in activities with children and plan to lose weight with them.