Stability and continuity of parentally reported child eating behaviours and feeding practices from 2 to 5 years of age

Abstract

Previous research suggests that many eating behaviours are stable in children but that obesigenic eating behaviours tend to increase with age. This research explores the stability (consistency in individual levels over time) and continuity (consistency in group levels over time) of child eating behaviours and parental feeding practices in children between 2 and 5 years of age. Thirty one participants completed measures of child eating behaviours, parental feeding practices and child weight at 2 and 5 years of age. Child eating behaviours and parental feeding practices remained stable between 2 and 5 years of age. There was also good continuity in measures of parental restriction and monitoring of food intake, as well as in mean levels of children's eating behaviours and BMI over time. Mean levels of maternal pressure to eat significantly increased, whilst mean levels of desire to drink significantly decreased, between 2 and 5 years of age. These findings suggest that children's eating behaviours are stable and continuous in the period prior to 5 years of age. Further research is necessary to replicate these findings and to explore why later developmental increases are seen in children's obesigenic eating behaviours.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2011.09.005
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Psychology
College of Health & Life Sciences
College of Health & Life Sciences > Chronic and Communicable Conditions
Uncontrolled Keywords: parental feeding practices,continuity,stability,control,body mass index,child eating behaviour
Publication ISSN: 1095-8304
Last Modified: 25 Jan 2024 08:14
Date Deposited: 05 Feb 2014 15:03
Full Text Link: http://linkingh ... 195666311005733
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2012-02-01
Authors: Farrow, C. (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-3745-6610)
Blissett, J. (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-0275-6413)

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