Childhood Obesity in a Chinese Family Context

Author: Wong, Oi

Source: Contemporary Family Therapy, Volume 32, Number 3, September 2010 , pp. 335-347(13)

Publisher: Springer

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $47.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

This qualitative study explored themes that described families with obese children in Chinese society. Eight obese children and their families participated in the study. Six of the children were male and two were female, ranging in age from 7 to 13. The themes found were: over-involvement between allied parent and obese child, coalition, diffused boundary between extended family and nuclear family, lack of conflict resolution, and disengaged couple boundary. In this study, the significant role that may be played by the extended family in contributing to a child's obesity, as well as female power dominance in the domestic sphere are considered. Implications for therapy are discussed.

Keywords: Obese children; Qualitative study; Family dynamics; Power and control; Chinese families

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10591-010-9121-7

Affiliations: 1: Department of Social Work and Social Administration, HKU Family Institute, The University of Hong Kong, 5/F., Tsan Yuk Hospital, 30 Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, Email: wongol@hkucc.hku.hk

Publication date: 2010-09-01