Abstract

Perceptions of parenting competence are composed of self‐efficacy and satisfaction with parenting. Parenting competence is linked to differential outcomes across numerous parenting domains. To date, few studies have explored the relationships between maternal self‐efficacy and food parenting practices, deploying different measures and age ranges, and yielding conflicting findings. Therefore, the current study sought to explore relationships between the two dimensions of perceived parenting competence and the use of controlling and positive food parenting practices. UK mothers (N = 269) of 18‐ to 59‐month‐old children completed measures of both dimensions of perceived parenting competence (i.e., parenting self‐efficacy and satisfaction) and of controlling (maladaptive) and positive (health promoting) food parenting practices. Relationships were found between perceptions of competence and use of food parenting practices. Self‐efficacy and satisfaction with parenting were positively associated with the use of most positive food parenting practices. Greater parenting satisfaction, but not parenting efficacy, was associated with lower use of some of the potentially detrimental controlling food parenting practices. Neither parenting self‐efficacy nor satisfaction with parenting were related to mothers' reported use of pressure to eat. In conclusion, supporting and promoting greater maternal self‐efficacy and satisfaction with parenting may be a useful target for public health interventions and for professionals working with families with the aim of promoting optimal parenting to support children's development of healthy eating habits. Future research should seek to further elucidate the current findings with a longitudinal design.

Highlights

  • Parents have a key role in shaping their children's healthy development and cognitions about their parenting could impact children's health outcomes

  • The current study presents new evidence on the relationships between dimensions of parenting competence and the use of positive and controlling food parenting practices with young children

  • Maternal self-efficacy and satisfaction with parenting are generally associated with greater use of positive food parenting practices, and greater parenting satisfaction is associated with lower use of some potentially detrimental controlling food parenting practices

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Parents have a key role in shaping their children's healthy development and cognitions about their parenting could impact children's health outcomes. This control can disrupt children's responses to their hunger and satiety signals which can contribute to the development of overweight and obesity (Faith et al, 2004) Positive practices, such as encouraging balance and variety and modelling, are theorised to promote healthy eating among children (Kaukonen et al, 2019). A study from Iran found that self-efficacy in mothers of children under two was associated with lower use of pressure to eat and greater encouragement of balance and variety and modelling, it was associated with greater restriction of food intake for both weight control and health (Salarkia et al, 2016), which has typically been associated with less healthy eating

Methods
Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text

Published Version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.