Bidirectional associations between mothers\u2019 feeding practices and child eating behaviours

Elena Jansen,Kimberley M Mallan,Kate E Williams,Lynne A Daniels,Jan M Nicholson

doi:10.1186/s12966-018-0644-x

Abstract

BackgroundThis study examined bidirectional relationships between maternal feeding practices and child food responsiveness and satiety responsiveness from 2 to 5 years.MethodsMothers (N = 207) reported their own feeding practices and child eating behaviours using validated questionnaires at child ages 2, 3.7, and 5 years. Cross-lagged analyses were conducted to test for bidirectional effects, adjusting for child BMI z-score (based on measured weight and height) at 14 months.ResultsEating behaviours and feeding practices showed strong continuity across the three time points. Maternal feeding practices (higher reward for behaviour [β = 0.12, p = 0.025] and lower covert restriction [β = −0.14, p = 0.008]) were prospectively associated with higher food responsiveness. Conversely, increased child satiety responsiveness was primarily prospectively associated with mothers’ feeding practices (increased structured meal timing [β = 0.11, p = 0.038], overt [β = 0.14, p = 0.010] and covert restriction [β = 0.11, p = 0.022]). The only exception was family meal setting, which was prospectively negatively associated with satiety responsiveness (β = −0.11, p = 0.035).ConclusionWhile maternal feeding practices and child satiety and food responsiveness show strong continuity between child age 2 and 5 years, maternal feeding practices appear to be associated with child food responsiveness over time. Conversely, child satiety responsiveness, but not food responsiveness, may also be associated with maternal feeding practices over time. These results are consistent with interventions that provide feeding advice to parents on how to respond appropriately to individual child eating behaviour phenotype.Trial registrationACTRN12608000056392. Registered 29 January 2008.

Highlights

This study examined bidirectional relationships between maternal feeding practices and child food responsiveness and satiety responsiveness from 2 to 5 years
Structured meal setting and timing were negatively correlated with satiety responsiveness at the first two time points and the second time point respectively, while neither was at the third time point
Given the strength and consistency of the temporal associations we have reported in both sets of variables, these multiple cross-sectional associations at various ages that have been frequently reported in the literature may reflect relationships between feeding practices and child eating behaviour established at a younger age, rather than at the specific age where the crosssectional associations are demonstrated

Summary

Introduction

This study examined bidirectional relationships between maternal feeding practices and child food responsiveness and satiety responsiveness from 2 to 5 years. In response to the established need to prevent child obesity [1] research has considered a range of modifiable determinants of children’s eating behaviours, dietary intake and physical activity/inactivity that set the foundation for lifelong healthy or unhealthy habits. Parental feeding practices have been the focus of a number of recent child obesity prevention interventions [2] due to established links with child eating behaviours and weight status [3]. The Trust model [13] theorises that the two components of authoritative feeding support and maintain the child’s capacity to selfregulate energy intake and develop healthy eating habits which in turn may be associated with reduction in child obesity risk. The remaining variance in these child eating behaviours is due to (non-)shared environmental influences, and parental feeding practices have been identified as one modifiable determinant

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