RELAÇÃO ENTRE APEGO INSEGURO E COMPORTAMENTO DE ADICÇÃO ALIMENTAR EM CRIANÇAS COM OBESIDADE E CRIANÇAS EUTRÓFICAS

Abstract

The relationship between attachment and childhood obesity lies in the influence of childhood relationship experiences on eating patterns. Children with insecure appetites may turn to food for emotional comfort, resulting in persistent compulsive eating behaviors. This study aims to evaluate possible associations between attachment patterns, food dependence and childhood obesity. The sample included 68 obese and 40 eutrophic children (6-11 years old) in public schools in Paraíba. To measure the constructs, a Socioeconomic Questionnaire, Yale Food Dependency Scale and the Separation Anxiety Test were used. The results indicate a high prevalence of food dependence and worse nutritional status in obese children. As for attachment, the predominant style was secure in both groups. However, no significant relationships were found between the different parameters studied. This study did not reveal important associations between food dependence, attachment style and nutritional status in obese and eutrophic children.