The association of maternal psychopathology and family socioeconomic status with psychological problems in obese children

In an earlier study we found parental psychiatric symptoms to be a better correlate of behavioral problems in obese children than either child or parental obesity. This study sought to extend this research by assessing the association of general maternal distress, specific maternal psychopathology, family socioeconomic status and child obesity with the psychological problems of 152 children seeking treatment for obesity in two cohorts. Child psychological problems were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist/4-18 (CBCL) in each cohort. In sample 1 maternal general psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Cornell Medical Index (psychiatric subscales) and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems whereas specific psychopathology was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Bulimia Test. In sample 2 the Symptom Checklist-90 and Binge Eating Scale provided general and specific measures of psychopathology. In the combined sample, 58% percent of the boys and 44% of the girls met criteria on at least one CBCL behavioral problem scale, with Social Problems the most prevalent problem in both boys and girls. For both samples, child obesity did not account for any variance in child psychosocial problems beyond that accounted for by maternal psychopathology and family SES. Family SES accounted for a significant increment in variance in child behavioral problems in only two scales. This study systematically replicates previous research, adding support for a broader conceptualization of factors that influence psychological problems in obese treatment-seeking children than one which focuses on child obesity.