Do overweight students experience more physical aggression?

Poster (2009, September)

Findings demonstrated that overweight adolescents are more likely to be both victims and perpetrators of violent acts (Janssen et al., 2004). The present study tested this weight-based victimization ... [more ▼]

Findings demonstrated that overweight adolescents are more likely to be both victims and perpetrators of violent acts (Janssen et al., 2004). The present study tested this weight-based victimization/perpetrator hypothesis. The study sample comprised N1⁄4649 middle school students, which were regrouped in three weight categories (i.e. underweight, normal weight, overweight) according to the cut-offs proposed by the International Obesity Taskforce. In order to analyze group differences between the weight categories, three same sized groups (N 1⁄4 75) were randomly created from the whole data set. Results confirmed that overweight students are more likely to be victimized but not to become perpetrators themselves compared to their peers. Logistic regressions showed that being anxious (OR 1⁄4 2.34), having low self- esteem (OR1⁄40.58), having a higher BMI (OR1⁄41.11) and being male (OR1⁄40.26) are risk factors of victimization. Results will be discussed with respect to psychosocial interventions. [less ▲]

Still the same and better off than others? Social and temporal comparisons in old age

in European Journal of Ageing (2007), 4(1), 23-34

Cognitive adaptation in the elderly and the motivated use of temporal and social comparisons set the conceptual frame for the present study. Three research questions were investigated in a sample of 2.129 ... [more ▼]

Cognitive adaptation in the elderly and the motivated use of temporal and social comparisons set the conceptual frame for the present study. Three research questions were investigated in a sample of 2.129 persons aged between 50 and 90 years. First, the direction of social and temporal comparisons for three domains (physical fitness, mental fitness, psychological resilience) was studied, and findings did show that especially lateral followed by upward comparisons were most frequent under both perspectives; downward comparisons clearly showed the least frequency. Second, the distribution of comparison directions was investigated across four age groups. These analyses showed that upward comparisons increased and lateral comparisons decreased across age groups; differential results were observed for the domains under consideration. Third, the relation between social and temporal comparisons and self-esteem was studied. Results obtained here indicated a motivated use of specific comparison directions since downward social comparisons and upward temporal comparisons were most frequent in persons with low self-esteem. Taken together, the study underlines the different functions of social and temporal comparisons in adulthood and old age; it indicates a predominant need for consensus and consistency, and it highlights the importance of self-esteem in cognitive adaptation. [less ▲]