The effect of group-based weight control intervention on adolescent psychosocial outcomes: Perceived peer rejection, social anxiety and self-concept.

This paper examines the effectiveness of group-based weight control treatment on adolescent social functioning. Eighty-nine adolescents who were randomized to group-based cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) with aerobic exercise (CBT+EXER) or peer enhanced adventure therapy (CBT+PEAT) completed measures of social functioning at baseline, end of treatment, and 12-month follow-up. Results demonstrated significant reductions in adolescent perceptions of peer rejection and social anxiety over time with no significant demonstrated group differences. Improvements in social functioning were related to increases in self-concept dimensions. Findings demonstrate benefits of group-based weight control treatment for enhancing adolescent self-perceived social functioning across multiple domains.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes