Maternal symptoms of depression are related to observations of controlling feeding practices in mothers of young children

Abstract

Maternal depression can impair parenting practices and has been linked with less sensitive feeding interactions with children, but existing research is based on self-reports of feeding practices. This study examined relationships between maternal self-reported symptoms of depression with observations of mothers' child feeding practices during a mealtime. Fifty-eight mothers of 3-and 4-year-old children were video recorded eating a standardized lunch. The recording was then coded for instances of maternal controlling feeding practices and maternal vocalizations using the Family Mealtime Coding System. Mothers also provided information on current symptoms of depression and anxiety. Mothers who reported greater symptoms of depression were observed to use more verbal and physical pressure for their child to eat and to offer more incentives or conditions in exchange for their child eating. Mothers also used more vocalizations with their child about food during the observed mealtime when they had greater symptoms of depression. There was no link between symptoms of depression and observations of maternal use of restriction. Symptoms of depression are linked with observations of mothers implementing a more controlling, less sensitive feeding style with their child. Health professionals working with families in which mothers have symptoms of depression may benefit from receiving training about the possible impact of maternal depression on child-feeding practices, and mothers with symptoms of depression may benefit from guidance regarding its potential impact on their child-feeding interactions

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031110
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Psychology
College of Health & Life Sciences
College of Health & Life Sciences > Chronic and Communicable Conditions
Additional Information: This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the APA journal. It is not the copy of record.
Publication ISSN: 1939-1293
Last Modified: 15 Mar 2024 08:10
Date Deposited: 05 Feb 2014 14:12
Full Text Link: http://psycnet. ... 0.1037/a0031110
http://doi.apa. ... 0.1037/a0031110
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2013-02-01
Authors: Haycraft, Emma
Farrow, Claire (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-3745-6610)
Blissett, Jackie

Download

[img]

Version: Accepted Version


Export / Share Citation


Statistics

Additional statistics for this record