Children 's experience of their obesity

Abstract

This study takes the form of exploratory and descriptive research in which children in middle childhoods’ experience of their obesity was explored and described. A case study research design was used in a qualitative approach and data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. The data analysis spiral of Cresswell was implemented in order to facilitate the research process. Empirical findings present the experiences obese children in middle childhood undergo with regard to different areas of their development. The researcher drew upon literature relating to obesity and middle childhood development in order to analyse and verify collected data in pursuit of describing children’s experience of their obesity. Emotional hideaway amongst obese children, the role of the family in an obese child’s life and the reason why obese children make the wrong food choices are some of the topics not addressed in the limited scope of this project. The possibility of exploring these final thoughts provides opportunity for future research.