Cited by 87COVID-19 and Mental HealthObesity, Physical Activity, DietObesity and Health Practices

Psychological distress and internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight during the COVID-19 outbreak

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Chen, Chao-Ying, Chen, I-Hua, O’Brien, Kerry S., Latner, Janet D., Lin, Chung-Ying·2021·International Journal of Obesity

Published version of a preprint

Abstract

Objective The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and its resulting social policy changes may result in psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. This study thus aimed to (1) compare psychological distress (including fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, and depression), perceived weight stigma, and problematic internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight; (2) assess whether perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors explained psychological distress.Methods Schoolchildren (n = 1357; mean age = 10.7 years) with overweight (n = 236) and without overweight (n = 1121) completed an online survey assessing their fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, depression, perceived weight stigma, problematic smartphone application use, problematic social media use, and problematic gaming.Results Schoolchildren with overweight had significantly higher levels of COVID-19 infection fear, stress, depression, perceived weight stigma, and problematic social media use than those without overweight. Regression models showed that perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors were significant predictors of psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight.Conclusion Strategies to manage perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors may have a positive influence on mental health among schoolchildren with overweight under health-threatening circumstances, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

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Authors
Chen, C.-Y., Chen, I.-H., O’Brien, K. S., Latner, J. D., & Lin, C.-Y.
Affiliations
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK)
  • Minnan Normal University (CN)
  • Monash University (AU)
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (US)
Corresponding author
Lin, Chung-Ying
Venue
International Journal of Obesity
Published
2021-01-25
Volume
45
Issue
3
Pages
677-686
ISSN
  • 0307-0565 (ISSN-L)
  • 1476-5497
OpenAlex
W3117953749
Cited by
87
References
61
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 2
FWCI
12.62
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Obesity (publishedVersion)
  • Research Square (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (MOST109-2327-B006-005)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › COVID-19 and Mental Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Obesity and Health Practices
Keywords
childhood overweight, psychological distress, COVID-19 pandemic, problematic internet use, social media addiction, gaming addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, fear of COVID-19 infection, elementary school students
MeSH terms
Psychological Distress, Internet Use, COVID-19, Adolescent, Child, China, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Stress, Psychological, Students, Overweight

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