The relationship between family sense of coherence, healthy behaviors, and child BMI (808.6)

Abstract

In a novel approach to considering the childhood obesity epidemic, it is suggested that family sense of coherence (FSOC) may act as a protective factor against the obesogenic environment. Proposed by Antonovsky in his theory of salutogenesis, FSOC is a perceptual orientation that facilitates adaptation to and coping with life stressors. A family with a high FSOC has a stronger motivational basis for utilizing their resources to promote health. An individual’s sense of coherence has been positively associated with healthy food choices and overall health. To date, few have examined the relationship between FSOC and health outcomes. To address this gap in the literature, the relationships between FSOC and healthy behaviors (e.g. fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity) as well as child BMI were examined using interview data from a sample consisting of 432 low‐income mothers and their 3‐5 year old children. FSOC was significantly related to healthy behaviors such that families with a higher sense of coherence practiced more healthy behaviors. FSOC and child BMI were not related. The finding that FSOC may act as a protective factor through its influence on healthy behaviors can inform childhood obesity prevention efforts. Though child weight status may not be affected at the preschool age, the increase of healthy behaviors may affect child BMI at a later age.Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA NIFA Grant/Award #: 2010‐85215‐20662