The power of weight and the weight of power in adolescence: a comparison between young and adult women

Obesity is an important emerging problem in adolescence because it causes psychological distress and social prejudice. Using Ugazio’s theory, this study aims to test if the construct ‘winner/loser’ and its associated meanings are used and considered important among obese adolescents. The personal constructs of 68 participants (young and adult; obese and normal weight) were elicited through the repertory grid test and analysed using the log-linear model. The power dimension was the most used in the obese groups (young and adult) but it was considered the most relevant among adolescents rather than women, regardless of the weight variable. The results allow us to provide several suggestions on a clinical level and on a wider social perspective.