Abstract
Mothers influence children's lifestyle habits and maternal concern (MC) about child weight may have negative outcomes (e.g., restriction). The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of MC about child weight in a sample of 431 mothers of 1st graders from 29 schools. The Child Feeding Questionnaire was utilized to assess MC, maternal perception (MP) of child's weight and maternal self‐reported weight status. Children's weight status was determined using direct measurements and the established BMI‐for‐age percentile cut‐offs for 3 categories: 1) normal weight; 2) overweight, or 3) obese. Linear regression was conducted to determine if MC about child weight was predicted by MP of child weight, maternal self‐reported weight status, child weight status and child gender. The regression model was significant (R2 = .33, p < .001). Maternal self‐reported weight status (β = .13), child weight (β = .51) and child gender (β = .11; all ps < .01) were significant predictors of MC but MP of child weight was not (β = ‐.003, p = .94). A secondary analysis further explored why MP of child weight was not related to MC. MP of child weight was assessed using 3 categories (overestimate; match; underestimate). Child weight was misconceived by 27% of mothers (all underestimated). Findings confirmed the hypothesized MC predictors, except for MP of child weight. Because MP of child weight may influence feeding strategies and the child's perceptions of self, further research examining weight‐related concerns and perceptions of mothers in relation to child's body or self‐esteem is warranted.
Published Version
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