ABSTRACT

 The present study uses the concept mapping methodology to investigate the ideas children and adolescents have about their own self-regulation (defined as strategies for controlling behaviour, thoughts or emotions in order to achieve relevant goals) in relation to resisting unhealthy food temptations. Also, it aimed to compare self-regulatory strategies as a function of age and SES. A total number of 121 children and adolescents, aged between 8 and 17 years old, participated in the three concept mapping sessions. All emerging concept maps comprised strategies regarding healthy eating and strategies for changing unhealthy eating patterns to healthier alternatives. Avoidance self-regulatory strategies were predominant in all groups regardless of age and SES. Behavioural strategies were named in all concept maps, while cognitive strategies were present starting with the 12-14 year old group. SES differences emerged in the 15-17 year old groups, as only the high SES group named goal setting and prioritizing as selfregulation strategies to avoid unhealthy foods. These data help to develop interventions targeted to children and adolescents’ needs regarding self-regulatory strategies to deal with unhealthy food temptations.

KEYWORDS: self-regulation, eating behaviour, children, adolescents, concept mapping

PAGES: 49-66