Childhood obesity is a growing concern, and while progress has been made to understand the association between multiple biological factors (i.e., genetics, nutrition, exercise etc.), little is known about the relationship between mental health and childhood obesity. In this paper, we offer a review of current evidence about the association between mental health and childhood obesity. A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between January 2000 and January 2011 was undertaken and resulted in 759 unique records, of which 345 full-text articles were retrieved and 131 articles were included. A theoretical model is proposed to organize the paper and reflect the current state of the literature and includes psychological factors (i.e., depression and anxiety, self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, eating disordered symptoms, and emotional problems); psychosocial mediating variables (i.e., weight-based teasing and concern about weight and shape), and wellness factors (i.e., quality of life and resiliency/protective factors). We conclude with a number of recommendations to support the creation of solutions to the rise in childhood obesity rates that do not further marginalize overweight and obese children and youth and that can potentially improve the well-being of all children and youth regardless of their weight status.

This study uses the Comprehensive Career Needs Survey to assess the career plans of junior high school students in Southern Alberta, Canada. Junior high students are asked (a) what they plan to do after they leave high school; (b) their confidence in finding an occupation they enjoy, obtaining training or education, and finding work in their chosen occupation; (c) how important it is to work in their community; and (d) where they anticipate working. Results indicate that junior high students intend to pursue further education and work and are optimistic about achieving their career goals. Students would like to find employment in their community but are considering working provincially, nationally, or internationally. Results suggest that career planning programs need to begin at the junior high level and that junior high students need to be involved in career program planning and future needs assessments.

Zusammenfassung Wirksamkeitsstudien zu Berufswahlunterricht und Beruflicher Beratung: Ein internationaler Forschungsplan. Es besteht ein Bedarf fü r mehr Wirksamkeitsstudien, fü r experimentelle Konzeptionen, und fü r Lä ngsschnittuntersuchungen zu Berufswahlunterricht und Beruflicher Beratung sowohl im Bildungsbereich als auch in Organisationen, und zwar unter unterschiedlichen kulturellen und wirtschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen. Forschungen zur Wirksamkeit von Berufswahlunterricht und Beruflicher Beratung, die Vorteile und Entwicklungen unter unterschiedlichen Aspekten nachweisen, sind insbesondere nö tig, um den zukü nftigen Bestand des Arbeitsgebietes zu sichern. Dieser Artikel macht Vorschlä ge zu einer Internationalisierung der Forschungsarbeit auf diesem Gebiet, dabei werden ein Wissenschafts-Praxis-Modell, eine diversifizierte Forschungsmethodik sowie Instrumente zur Messung von Laufbahnentwicklungen eingesetzt.Resumen Estudios sobre la eficacia de la orientació n y el asesoramiento para la carrera: la investigació n en el á mbito internacional. Son necesarios má s estudios, diseñ os experimentales e investigaciones longitudinales sobre la eficacia de la orientació n y el asesoramiento para la carrera en el contexto educativo y organizativo, y para poblaciones diversas cultural y econó micamente. Es necesaria la investigació n que demuestre ganancias en diversos aspectos de la orientació n, para mejorar el futuro de nuestro campo. Se sugieren algunas recomendaciones para que la investigació n sobre la orientació n y el asesoramiento se extienda al á mbito internacional mediante el uso de un modelo científico y profesional, diversas metodologías, e instrumentos para medir los resultados de la orientació n.

The Comprehensive Career Needs Survey was used to assess the career plans of senior high students in Southern Alberta, Canada. This article examines senior high student perceptions regarding (a) their future plans; (b) confidence in attaining their career goals, (c) importance of remaining in their community; and (d) where they anticipate working. The majority of respondents planned to combine full time education with part time work, were confident in achieving their career plans, and anticipated finding work in their country. Results indicate a need for programs addressing career decision making and combining education and work experience.

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