Perception of Family Functioning Among Adolescents that are Overweight and Obese: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study measured differences in perceived family functioning scores among adolescents that are overweight or obese grouped by age, parent marital status, number of occupants in the family home, and race. We recruited fifty-six adolescents that were overweight or obese. Independent sample tests evaluated the research questions. Adolescents in family homes with 4 or fewer total occupants perceived poorer family functioning and expressed less moral religious emphasis. Non-Hispanic adolescents perceived greater family conflict. Those with single parents experienced poorer family functioning, family cohesion, greater family conflict and less moral religious emphasis. This study supports weight management programs to include family functioning assessments.

Keywords: Overweight; Obesity; Adolescents; Perceived Family Functioning.