Premium
Maternal perceptions of overweight and obesity in children: A grounded theory study
Author(s) -
Southwell Olivia,
Fox John R. E.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1348/2044-8287.002002
Subject(s) - overweight , grounded theory , perception , obesity , developmental psychology , psychology , psychological resilience , qualitative research , clinical psychology , social psychology , medicine , sociology , social science , neuroscience
Objectives. To develop a theoretical framework for understanding maternal perceptions of overweight and obesity in children. Method. Semi‐structured interviews with 12 mothers of overweight or obese children recruited via the paediatrician or local weight management group. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Grounded Theory methodology. Results. Using Grounded Theory, a theoretical understanding of maternal perceptions of overweight and obesity in children was developed using the two over‐arching core categories of ‘Good mum/bad mum’ and ‘Resilience’. Conclusion. Results supported findings uncovered in previous research and also expand on these findings by offering explanations about the psychological mechanisms that may mediate maternal misperceptions of overweight.