Occupational Therapy and the Childhood Obesity Epidemic: Research, Theory and Practice

Trait Emotional Intelligence Related to Bullying in Elementary School Children and to Victimization in Boys

While Healthy People 2020 calls for a reduction of bullying among high school students as a public health priority, earlier intervention supported by Occupational Therapists may be warranted. The current study investigated the prevalence of bullying behaviors within an elementary school, compared the experiences of victims with those of perpetrators, and determined when and for whom Trait Emotional Intelligence is a predictor of bullying and victimization. Elementary school children ( n = 235) in Grades 3 to 5 completed the Forms of Bullying Scale-Victim, the Forms of Bullying Scale-Perpetrator, and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Short Form. The prevalence of bully-only perpetration was 3.0%, of victimization-only was 48.5%, and of bully-victimization was 10.4%. Trait Emotional Intelligence was negatively associated with bullying. Trait Emotional Intelligence was negatively associated with victimization in boys, but not girls. The findings are discussed within the need to provide instruction and services to students at an early age.

Promoting Health, Well-Being, and Quality of Life for Children Who Are Overweight or Obese and Their Families

Obesity is a complex, multidimensional challenge that compromises occupational participation for children and families. Children who are overweight or obese are at serious risk for being stigmatized, bullied, or marginalized, and they often are medically compromised. They cope daily with occupational participation issues at home, in school, on playgrounds, and in their communities. Prevention and health promotion assessment and intervention in occupational therapy are imperative for the profession to make a significant and sustainable difference in the lives of these children and families. Innovative client- and occupation-centered programming promotes health, well-being, and quality of life for this population. It is incumbent upon occupational therapy practitioners to prevent occupational marginalization, deprivation, and alienation while promoting occupational justice for children who are overweight or obese.