Rejection sensitivity, shyness and body mass index: determinants of self-worth among obese adolescents

Background: Research has established the negative impacts of obesity upon the adolescents especially in the form of peer rejection and bullying behaviors. Shyness is a natural response of obese adolescents which adversely affects their self-worth

Objectives: To observe the relationship of obesity with rejection sensitivity, shyness and self-worth of obese adolescents and to explore the differences of rejection sensitivity, shyness and self-worth among obese and non-obese adolescents

Study design, settings and duration: This cross-sectional study was carried out in private schools of Lahore from August 2013 to January 2014

Subjects and Methods: In this study, both boys and girls were taken as participants and a sample of 200 adolescents [obese = 100, non-obese = 100] was recruited from private schools. Demographic information form, Rejection sensitivity scale, Shyness scale and Contingencies of self-worth scale were used for data collection. Correlation and regression analyses were used to analyze the data

Results: Obesity was significantly associated with rejection-sensitivity and shyness in obese adolescents and had negative relationship with self-worth. Obese boys scored high on obesity and self-worth as compared to obese girls, whereas, obese girls scored high on feelings of rejection sensitivity and shyness than obese boys. Similarly obese adolescents scored high on rejection sensitivity and shyness than non-obese; however non-obese adolescents scored high on self-worth than obese adolescents

Conclusion: Obese adolescent experience more rejection sensitivity and shyness while had less self-worth as compared to non-obese adolescents of their age

Policy message: Public awareness may be increased regarding the problems, obese adolescents face in the society. They should be accepted, and rewarded for their positive behaviors; especially their weight reduction efforts should be appreciated by the society. Penalizing approaches by their parents, teachers or other family members targeting to their body shape should be avoided

Palynological and ethnobotanical studies of Genus Pinus from Hazara, N.W.F.P., Pakistan

Pollen morphology of genus Pinuss growing wild in Hazara, N.W, F.P., Pakistan was studied. Grains were vesiculate, exine 3-4 micro thick, sexilte reticulate. Size of the grain varies from 36 x 54 [53 x 73.8]64 x 96 micro m to 40 x 614 [47.2 x 75]567 x 88.3 micro m