Delay of gratification,locus of control,and eating patterns in obese and nonobese children

Two studies were conducted investigating the behavioral concomitants of childhood obesity. In the first study assessment of the internal-external dimensions of personality style by means of delay of gratification and locus of control tasks yielded no significant effects for obese vs nonobese children. However, the consumption of a snack varied for the two groups. The obese children ate the snack at a faster rate than did the nonobese children. Study 2 was directed at further describing the obese eating style in children over a total of three cafeteria meals. The results of this study again supported a distinctive eating style for the obese children who consumed a greater proportion of the food on their plates and also displayed a greater number of intervals with multiple eating responses. These results are discussed with regard to the social validation of an obese eating style in children and the inclusion of instructions to modify eating style in weight management programs for obese children.