ASTRO, P. F. de. Representação simbólica da obesidade infantil a partir da avaliação de mães [Symbolic representation of childhood obesity from mothers’ assessment]. Boletim de Psicologia, São Paulo, SP, v.62, n.143, p.131-146, 2015.
Available on: http://pepsic.bvsalud.org/pdf/bolpsi/v65n143/v65n143a03.pdf
Childhood obesity is a disturbing health problem, in which mothers and their view of the child’s obesity can be a key factor in determining the psychological dynamics observed in the child and his/her environment. This study aimed to assess the symbolic representation of childhood obesity drawn from data obtained from a group of mothers. Participated in the study twenty four mothers of obese children, regardless of their school background and social and economic level, being subjected to the Thematic Drawing-and-Story Procedure. In general terms, data showed prevalence of an attitude of acceptance coupled with a favorable view of the obese child, in which prevailed defense mechanisms such as idealization, rationalization and denial.