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

According to systemic-constructivist theory, all psycho-pathological organizations are linked to specific meanings which are developed by the individual within problematic situations in the context of learning, particularly within the family. The aim of this empirical study is to support the theory that eating disorders are linked to the “power semantics,” concept developed by Ugazio. The hypothesis that the bipolar construct “winner/loser” and the associated meanings are predominant for obese people, has been verified by interviewing 44 women (22 obese/overweight; 22 controls) using the Repertory Grid Test developed by Kelly. The participants’ elicited constructs were classified according to their semantic content and the data compared using statistical techniques. The power semantics were more prevalent and important in the Obese Group than in the Control Group. These results are critically discussed, highlighting possible clinical developments.

RESUMO: Este estudo objetivou comparar as representações sociais de brasileiros e italianos acerca do cuidado ao idoso e velhice. Foram entrevistadas 40 pessoas acima de 65 anos, 20 brasileiros e 20 italianos. Os resultados mostraram que as representações sociais da velhice e do cuidar da pessoa idosa, enfatizam a relevância da autonomia e manutenção da atividade, trazendo o contexto de doenças e dependência como algo indesejável. A vivência da velhice e o cuidar da pessoa idosa parecem mais difíceis em situação de doença, quando os agravos impõe a necessidade de um “cuidador”, o que abala a independência da pessoa idosa. Torna-se necessário a implementação de políticas de educação para a saúde, que levem em consideração as necessidades dos idosos.

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