Are adolescents harmed when asked risky weight control behavior and attitude questions? Implications for consent procedures

Objectives: This study explores whether asking minors about risky weight control behaviors and attitudes increases the frequency of those behaviors and attitudes. Methods: Participants were 115 sixth-grade girls who responded to questions on risky weight control behaviors and attitudes at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. An additional 107 girls, who had not been part of the baseline, provided data only at follow-up. The two groups were compared on risky weight control behaviors and attitudes at follow-up using chi-square analyses, Mann-Whitney U tests, Cohen's effect sizes, and odds ratios. Results: No evidence of a negative effect in the twice-assessed group was found. All rates decreased from baseline to follow-up. Conclusions: There is only minimal risk and perhaps even some benefit of asking questions about risky weight control behaviors and attitudes. Implications for determining appropriate consent procedures are discussed. (C) 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.