Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

Food avoidance in children : the influence of maternal feeding practices and behaviours

  • Faye Powell
    ,
  • Claire Farrow
    ,
  • Caroline Meyer
  • Loughborough University
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of a broad range of maternal feeding practices in predicting parental reports of food avoidance eating behaviours in young children, after controlling for child temperament, and maternal dietary restraint which have previously been associated with feeding problems. One hundred and four mothers of children aged between 3 and 6 years completed self report measures of their child's eating behaviour and temperament, maternal dietary restraint and child feeding practices. Maternal reports of food avoidance eating behaviours were associated with an emotional child temperament, high levels of maternal feeding control, using food for behaviour regulation and low encouragement of a balanced and varied food intake. Maternal feeding practices, predominantly pressure to eat, significantly predicted food avoidance eating behaviours after controlling for child emotionality and maternal dietary restraint. The significant contribution of maternal feeding practices, which are potentially modifiable behaviours, suggests that the feeding interactions of parents and their children should be targeted for intervention and the prevention of feeding difficulties during early childhood. Future research should continue to explore how a broader range of feeding practices, particular those that may be more adaptive, might influence child eating behaviour.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 683-92

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Appetite (Volume 57, Issue 3)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 30/08/2011

Publication status

Published - 30/08/2011

ISSN

0195-6663

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/623157
  • Scopus: 80052833636

Access to documents

Publication metrics

PlumX, opens in new tab

Captures
291
Social media
4
119