Satisfaction With Food-related Life Research Articles

Revisiting the link between domain satisfaction and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: Job-related moderators in triadic analysis in dual-earner parents with adolescent children.

Research has evaluated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on individuals' life satisfaction, but wellbeing interrelations between family members in this context have been less explored. This study examined the spillover and crossover effects of one parent's job satisfaction (JS), satisfaction with family life (SWFaL) and satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL) on their own, their partner's, and their adolescent children's life satisfaction (LS), and the influence of adolescents' SWFaL and SWFoL on their own and their parents' LS, in dual-earner families with adolescents. The moderating role of job-related variables of both parents were also explored. Questionnaires were administered to 860 dual-earner parents with adolescents in two cities in Chile during 2020. Mothers and fathers answered the Overall Job Satisfaction Scale and the three family members answered the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Satisfaction with Family Life Scale and the Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and structural equation modeling, we found that fathers' LS was positively associated with their own JS, SWFaL and SWFoL (spillover), and negatively with adolescents' SWFoL (crossover). Likewise, mothers' LS was positively associated with their own JS, SWFaL and SWFoL (spillover), with fathers' and adolescents' SWFaL, and negatively with adolescents' SWFoL. Adolescents' LS was positively associated with their own SWFaL and SWFoL (spillover), and with their fathers' JS, and negatively with their fathers' SWFoL. JS showed gendered patterns in spillover and crossover associations. Parents' type of employment, mothers' working hours and city of residence moderated some spillover and crossover associations for father-mother and parent-adolescent dyads. These findings suggest that, for dual-earner parents with adolescents, improving individuals' LS requires interventions that should be carried out not individually, but at a family level.

Typologies of fathers and mothers according to their parental feeding practices: a latent profile analysis in dual-income families with adolescent children

Background: this research was designed to identifying profiles of parents according to their food parenting practices (FPFP) (monitoring, restriction, modeling and child control) and to determine whether the profiles differed according to their satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL), work-family interface, diet quality of parents and adolescent, type of work and sociodemographic characteristics (socioeconomic level, gender and age). Methods: the sample consisted of 430 two-parent dual-income families with adolescent in Santiago, Chile. The Comprehensive Questionnaire of Parental Eating Practices, Satisfaction with Food-related Life scale (SWFoL), Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and Work-Family Interface Scale (work-family conflict and work-family enrichment) were used. Results: latent profile analysis showed five profiles of fathers and mothers: a) mothers and fathers with high control and restraint (32.1 %); b) mothers and fathers with high control and very low monitoring, restriction and modeling (29.5 %); c) mothers with high monitoring and fathers with low control and restriction (18.8 %); d) mothers and fathers with high monitoring (14.9 %); and e) mothers and fathers with high restraint and modeling (4.7 %). Conclusions: the profiles differed in fathers' and mothers' SWFoL scores, fathers' work-family conflict, fathers' work-family enrichment, diet quality of all three family members, and mothers' body mass index. The results suggest that fathers and mothers use different combinations of FPP according to the characteristics of their families and workplaces.

Satisfaction with Food: Profiles of Two-Parent Families with Adolescent Children.

The objectives of this study were to distinguish family profiles based on the level of satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL) of mothers, fathers, and adolescents, and to characterize the profiles based on the three family members' diet quality and nutritional status, family's eating habits, parental feeding practices, parent's nutritional knowledge, and sociodemographic characteristics. Questionnaires were applied to a sample of 300 two-parent families with adolescent children, aged between 10 and 17 years, in Temuco, Chile. The questionnaires used were: satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL); adapted healthy eating index (AHEI); family eating habits questionnaire (FEHQ); and the nutritional knowledge subscale. They also answered questions about eating habits and provided data to determine BMI and sociodemographic characteristics. Four different profiles were identified with respect to SWFoL: "Families satisfied with their food" (50.6%); "Fathers and mothers moderately satisfied with their food, children satisfied" (23.2%); "Families extremely satisfied with their food" (16.6%); and "Fathers and mothers satisfied with their food, children extremely dissatisfied" (9.7%). The profiles demonstrated heterogeneity in SWFoL. Higher levels of SWFoL (mothers, fathers and adolescents) were associated with healthier eating habits. These results contribute to new studies that enable understanding of how families' healthy eating habits are part of improving quality of life.

Contributions of Work-to-Family Enrichment to Parental Food Monitoring and Satisfaction with Food-Related Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Dual-Earner Parents and Their Adolescent Children.

Evidence shows that numerous family-related variables influence parents’ use of different food parenting practices (FPP), but less is known about the influence of parents’ work-related variables on their use of FPP, and their own and their children’s outcomes in the food domain. To fill this gap, the present study explored intra-individual and inter-individual effects between work-to-family enrichment (WtoFE), parents’ monitoring practices, the adolescent’s perception of their parents’ monitoring practices, and the three family members’ satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL), in different-sex dual-earner parents with adolescent children. The mediating role of monitoring between WtoFE and SWFoL was also tested. A sample of 430 different-sex dual-earner parents and one of their adolescent children (average age 13.0 years, 53.7% female) were recruited in Rancagua, Chile, during March and June 2020. The three family members answered the monitoring dimension of the Compressive Feeding Practices Questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Food-Related Life Scale. Parents answered a measure of WtoFE based on the Work–Home Interaction Survey. Analyses were conducted using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model and structural equation modelling. Results showed a positive association between WtoFE and SWFoL, directly (p < 0.001) and through monitoring in fathers (95% confidence interval [0.010, 0.097], actor effect). The father’s (p = 0.042) and mother’s (p = 0.006) WtoFE was positively associated with their adolescent’s SWFoL (partner effects). The father’s (p = 0.002) and mother’s (p = 0.036) WtoFE were positively associated with their own monitoring (actor effect), while only the father’s WtoFE (p = 0.014) was positively associated with the adolescent’s perception of their parents’ monitoring (partner effect). The father’s (p = 0.018) and mother’s (p = 0.003) monitoring, as well as the adolescents’ perception of their parents’ monitoring (p = 0.033), were positively associated with their own SWFoL (actor effects), while the mother’s monitoring (p = 0.043) was also associated with the father’s SWFoL (partner effects). Findings suggest that both parents’ WtoFE improved their monitoring practices, which, in turn, improved their own SWFoL and their adolescent child’s SWFoL. Policymakers and organizations must aim to promote the WtoFE of working parents.

Associations among social engagement, meal-related behaviour, satisfaction with food-related life and wellbeing in Danish older adults living alone.

The present study aimed at exploring associations among meal-related behaviour, social engagement factors, satisfaction with food-related life (SWFL) to assess food-related wellbeing and subjective wellbeing in Danish older adults living alone. Three hundred and eighty-eight older adults aged 65-75 years from six Danish municipalities completed an online or article-based survey addressing home cooking, commensality, loneliness, SWFL and subjective wellbeing. Home cooking frequency and self-perceived cooking skills were positively associated with SWFL but not with subjective wellbeing. Commensality was positively associated with SWFL but was not associated with subjective wellbeing. The level of loneliness was negatively associated with SWFL and with subjective wellbeing. Satisfaction with food-related life and subjective health status were positively associated with subjective wellbeing. Male and female respondents did not differ in meal-related behaviour, social engagement factors, SWFL and wellbeing. While the cross-sectional nature of this study does not allow for the direction of causality to be determined, these results suggest that older adults living alone could benefit from a higher frequency of home-cooked meals, a higher level of self-perceived cooking skills and commensality to support SWFL. A higher level of SWFL could, in turn, lead to a higher level of wellbeing.

Parents' Modeling During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Influences on Family Members' Diet Quality and Satisfaction With-Food-Related Life in Dual-Earner Parents With Adolescent Children.

Reciprocal family influences in the food domain have been little explored, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To fill in this gap, this study explored actor and partner effects between parents’ food modeling and parents’ and their adolescent children’s diet quality and satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL); and the mediating role of diet quality between modeling and SWFoL. This study used a cross-sectional design. A sample of 430 different-sex dual-earner parents and one adolescent child were recruited in Rancagua, Chile, between March and June 2020. Parents answered the modeling dimension of the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire. Parents and adolescents answered the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and the SWFoL Scale. Analyses were conducted using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and structural equation modeling. Results showed that one parent’s modeling enhanced diet quality for themselves, their partner, and the adolescents. Parents’ modeling was associated with their own SWFoL, directly and via their own diet quality. There were positive associations between mothers’ modeling and adolescents’ SWFoL; between mothers’ diet quality and fathers’ SWFoL; and between mothers’ modeling and fathers’ SWFoL via the fathers’ diet quality. Parents’ modeling can improve the three family members’ diet quality, while mothers’ modeling and diet quality showed to improve fathers’ and adolescents’ SWFoL.

Food Attitudes, Mindful Eating, and Satisfaction with Food-Related Life among Italian and American University Students

ABSTRACT This study examined food attitudes, mindful eating, and satisfaction with food-related life (SWFL) among Italian and American college students. Food attitudes (Diet-Health Orientation and Food Negativity), SWFL, and Awareness and Recognition, the subscales of a mindful eating questionnaire, were measured. There was significant difference in Awareness and Diet-Health Orientation between Italian and American students. For both groups, Awareness was significantly correlated with SWFL and inversely correlated with Food Negativity and Diet-Health Orientation. Recognition was inversely correlated with Food Negativity. SWFL was inversely correlated with food attitudes. These findings suggest that mindful eating could promote more adaptive food attitudes and behaviors.

Relationships Between Work-to-Family Conflict and the Food Domain for Dual-Earner Parents With Adolescent Children.

The impact of work-to-family conflict (WtoFC) can extend beyond family and work, and to other domains that contribute to well-being, such as the food domain. This study examined associations between WtoFC, perception of atmosphere of family meals (AFM), and satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL) in dual-earner parents with adolescent children, and tested the mediating role of AFM between WtoFC and SWFoL. Questionnaires were administered to 473 different-sex dual-earner parents and one of their adolescent children (mean age 12.5 years, 51.4% male) in Temuco, Chile. Parents responded to a measure of work-to-family conflict; the three family members answered the Project-EAT Atmosphere of family meals scale, and the Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale. Analyses were conducted using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and structural equation modeling. Results showed a negative association from WtoFC to SWFoL in both parents, while a more positive perception of atmosphere of family meals was linked to higher SWFoL in the three family members. Moreover, WtoFC was negatively linked to SWFoL in parents, while only mothers' WtoFC had a negative association with their adolescent children's SWFoL. Policymakers and organizations can contribute to workers' and their families' food-related well-being by fostering policies and measures to reduce WtoFC.

Work-to-family enrichment and atmosphere of family meals influence satisfaction with food-related life: An actor-partner interdependence approach in dual-earner parents with adolescent children

The effects of work-to-family enrichment (WtoFE) have been examined on outcomes such as family and job satisfaction, with scarce research on the potential effects of WtoFE on the food domain. To fill in this gap, the present study explored actor and partner effects between WtoFE, the perception of the atmosphere of family meals (AFM), and satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL) in different-sex dual-earner parents with adolescent children using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model; the mediating role of AFM between WtoFE and SWFoL was also tested. Questionnaires were administered to 473 different-sex dual-earner parents and one of their adolescent children (average age 12.5 years, 51.4% male) in Temuco, Chile. The three family members answered the Project-EAT Atmosphere of family meals scale and the Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale. Parents answered a measure of WtoFE based on the Work-Home Interaction Survey. Analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling. Results showed a positive association from WtoFE to SWFoL, directly and through the perception of the atmosphere of family meals in both parents (actor effects). Both parents’ WtoFE was associated with their adolescent children’ SWFoL via the adolescent’s perception of the atmosphere of family meals, while the mother’s perception of the atmosphere of family meals was directly associated with the adolescent’s SWFoL (partner effects). Findings suggest that resources that mothers and fathers acquire from work and invest via WtoFE have positive effects on their own and their adolescent children’s perception of the atmosphere of family meals and SWFoL. As higher WtoFE has also been related to other positive outcomes in the job and health domains in workers, policymakers and organizations must aim to promote WtoFE in working parents.

The diverging patterns of life satisfaction between families: A latent profile analysis in dual-earner parents with adolescents

This study identifies family profiles based on the level of life satisfaction (LS) in mothers, fathers and adolescents, and variables related to their family, food, and work life. The sample was composed of 303 families of dual-earner parents (mothers’ mean age = 40.9 years, SD = 7.4, fathers’ mean age = 43.2 years, SD = 7.2) and one of their children aged between 10 and 17 years (mean age 13.3, SD = 2.4, 51.5% female). A Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to identify five family profiles. Profiles differed in LS, satisfaction with family life (SWFaL), satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL), family functioning, both parents’ work-life balance and their perception of the financial situation of the household. Balanced and imbalanced families in terms of LS differed in the three family members’ LS and SWFaL, mothers’ and children’ SWFoL and family functioning, and both parents’ perception of financial situation. These results contribute to understanding the heterogeneity of life satisfaction dynamics between and within dual-earner families.

Domain Satisfaction and Overall Life Satisfaction: Testing the Spillover-Crossover Model in Chilean Dual-Earner Couples.

The aim of this study was to examine spillover and crossover effects between job satisfaction, satisfaction with family life (SWFaL), satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL) and overall life satisfaction (LS) in dual-earner couples. The gender of the couple members was also accounted for in these interrelationships. A sample of 473 dual-earner couples with adolescent children in Temuco, Chile, responded to a questionnaire. Both members of the couple answered the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Overall Job Satisfaction Scale, the Satisfaction with Family Life Scale and the Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and structural equation modeling, it was found that men’s LS was positively associated with their own job satisfaction, SWFaL and SWFoL (spillover), as well as with their partner’s SWFaL (crossover). Results also showed that women’s LS was positively associated with their own job satisfaction, SWFaL and SWFoL (spillover), as well as with their partner’s SWFaL and job satisfaction. Different gender patterns were found for job satisfaction and SWFoL. These findings suggest that for dual-earner couples, life satisfaction may not only be influenced by their own individual satisfaction in a life domain but also by their partner’s satisfaction in the same domain.

How is satisfaction with food-related life conceptualized? A comparison between parents and their adolescent children in dual-headed households

Satisfaction with food-related life (SWFRL) is one component of satisfaction with life. Although researchers have identified associations between satisfaction with food-related life and specific food behaviours, it is still not clear how consumers conceptualize this complex construct. The aims of the present study were to explore consumers’ conceptualization of SWFRL, to compare how parents and adolescents in dual-headed households perceive SWFRL, and to identify aspects that would increase their SWFRL. One-hundred and sixty-four dual families composed of mother, father, and at least one adolescent child between 10 and 17 years of age participated in the study. They completed a word association task with “Being satisfied with my food-related life” and completed the sentence “I would be more satisfied with my food-related life if…”. Participants’ responses were aligned with the formal definition of SWFRL. References to specific foods and food characteristics were also mentioned in the word association task. No significant differences were found between parents and adolescents in the frequency of mention of responses related to the identified categories and supra-categories, suggesting lack of differences in their conceptualization of SWFRL. Changes in eating behaviours and individuals’ resources for purchasing and preparing foods were regarded as the main factors that could increase SWFRL. Differences between family members were found in some of the aspects associated with an increase in SWFRL. Results from this study can aid in the development of strategies for promoting changes in eating habits and increasing SWFRL, targeted at different family members.

The effects of actor-partner’s meal production focus on satisfaction with food related life in cohabiting couples

This paper reports the estimation of an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), examining how meal preparation focus – measured by taste, context, and thrift–affect actor’s and partner’s satisfaction with food-related life (SWFRL) in cohabiting couples. Questionnaires were administered to 187 different-sex couples in Denmark. Both members of the couple reported their degree of agreement with a set of statements regarding meal production focus and the SWFRL scale. Using the APIM and structural equation modeling, we found that the woman’s SWFRL was positively associated with her own focus on taste in meal production (actor effect), as wells as by her partner’s focus on taste (partner effect). Women’s SWFRL was also positively associated with their own focus on physical context in meal production, and negatively by their partner’s focus on physical context. The man’s SWFRL only was positively associated with his own focus on physical context (actor effect) and by his partner’s focus on thrift in meal production (partner effect). These results suggest that meal-preparation focus relationships between members of a couple, through by both actor and partner effects, can effectively contribute to increase both their satisfaction with food-related life, and their well-being.

Satisfaction with life, family and food in adolescents: Exploring moderating roles of family-related factors

Numerous studies have related socioeconomic status (SES), family structure, and family life cycle to adolescents’ life satisfaction (LS). However, studies assessing the moderating role of these variables in the relationship between LS and domain-specific satisfaction are still limited. The present study examines life satisfaction in adolescents by testing the moderating roles of adolescents’ family SES, family structure, and stage of family life cycle in the relationship between satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL) and LS, and between satisfaction with family life (SWFaL) and LS. A sample of 473 adolescents (mean age 13.3 years, 51.8% female) in Chile responded to a questionnaire including the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Satisfaction with Food-related Life scale, and Satisfaction with Family Life scale. Using structural equation modeling, we found that adolescents’ LS was positively related to SWFaL and SWFoL. Using a multi-group analysis, no moderating role of family SES was found. The relationship between SWFaL and LS was weaker in adolescents belonging to single-headed families and stronger in adolescents belonging to dual-headed families. The relationship between SWFoL and LS was lower in adolescents from families in the expansion stage (eldest child aged 6–14 years) and higher in adolescents from families in the consolidation stage (eldest child aged 15–24 years). The relationship between SWFaL and LS was stronger in adolescents from families in the expansion stage and weaker in adolescents from families in the consolidation stage. These findings suggest the need for different strategies to improve adolescents’ life satisfaction.

149 Satisfaction with Food-Related Life Of Irish Adults Older Than 55 Years

Abstract Background Food is an important part of older people’s life contributing to their physiological and mental well-being and to their satisfaction with life. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the satisfaction with food-related life of Irish community-dwelling adults older than 55 years. Methods A mixed methods approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a survey which tested how socio-demographic characteristics, food habits, mood and self-perceived health were correlated (Spearman correlation) with the 5 items from the satisfaction with food-related life (SWFL) questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended questions which investigated the factors determining food satisfaction levels of the 81 adults (54 women) older than 55 years who participated in the study. Results The highest score (4.3/5) was given to the item from the SWFL questionnaire: “Food and meals are very important elements in my life”, and was regardless of gender, age and marital status of the participants. In contrast, the lowest score (3.9/5) was given to the item “My life in relation to food and meals is ideal”. Spearman’s correlation revealed that fruit consumption was positively correlated “With regard to food, the conditions of my life are excellent” (rho=0.29, p&lt;0.05). The open-ended questions showed that sensory appeal was the most popular term related to food satisfaction levels. Conclusion Meals and food play an important role in older adults’ life; however, participants did not consider their life in relation to meals and food as ideal. Therefore, strategies need to be employed to improve food and meal experience for community-dwelling older adults to keep them healthy for longer. Food industry should focus on developing nutritious and sensory-appealing food for the older consumers. Finally, the finding that consumption of fruit leads to satisfaction with food-related life could be used as a health promotion message to change eating behaviour.

Perceived Resources and Satisfaction With Food-Related Life Among Ecuadorian Elderly

ObjectiveTo identify variables that explain satisfaction with food-related life in Ecuadorian elderly people. DesignStratified random sampling with proportional affixation within each retirement home was conducted based on the rate of rurality, gender, age, and living circumstances. SettingRetirement homes in Guayaquil, Ecuador. ParticipantsThe sample consisted of 817 elderly people of both genders (47.5% women; mean age 73.7 years; SD 7.45 years; range 60–101 years) registered in retirement homes located in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Main Outcome MeasuresSatisfaction With Life scale, satisfaction with food-related life (SWFL), and 22 food-related perceived resources. AnalysisGeneralized linear models. ResultsGender, food consumption expenditure, satisfaction with economic situation, unhealthy days, family importance, food-related lifestyles, food neophobia, and the sum of 22 resources were found to be associated with SWFL. In addition, the Pearson bivariate correlation between the Satisfaction With Life scale and SWFL was .38 (P < .01). ConclusionsPerceived resources contributed to SWFL and the greatest satisfaction with life was observed among older adults who were more satisfied with their food.

Maternal well-being, food involvement and quality of diet: Profiles of single mother-adolescent dyads

We sought to identify profiles of single-mother families according to the quality of family members' diets. A total of 170 single-mother-adolescent-children dyads participated in the study, the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFL) scale and Food Involvement Scale (FIS) were used. Cluster analysis identified three family profiles with significant differences in the average scores of the AHEI family members: “unhealthy diet families” (48.8%), “families of mothers with unhealthy diets and children with healthier diets” (17.6%) and “healthier diet families” (33.5%). Profiles differed in average AHEI scores of mothers and children, frequency of consumption of different foods included in the AHEI, both family members' variety of diet scores, the mothers' mean scores from the SWLS and the mean scores from the “importance of food” factor of the FIS. These findings suggest the need to apply intervention strategies to improve the quality of the diet by family profile and by family member. Special emphasis should be placed on increasing the levels of food involvement and life satisfaction of the mothers.

University student profiles according to satisfaction with life, food and family

The aim of this study was to distinguish university student profiles according to life satisfaction and satisfaction with food-related life and family, as well as to determine whether profiles differ in terms of their family support, quality of diet, body mass index (BMI) and socio-demographic characteristics. A questionnaire was applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 370 students of both sexes (mean age 21.1 years, 54.2% female) in Chile, including Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFoL) scale, Satisfaction with Family Life (SWFaL) scale, Family Resources Scale (FRS) and the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Three student types were distinguished with significant differences in average values of SWLS, SWFoL and SWFaL scales, z-scores from the intangible resources subscale from the FRS and average AHEI score. These profiles also differed in place of residence, dinner frequency at place of residence and BMI. Higher life satisfaction levels, as well as food-related life satisfaction, family life satisfaction, and intangible family support, were associated with a higher quality diet, lower BMI, living with parents while at university, and having dinner more frequently at home.

Diet quality and satisfaction with different domains of life in single- and dual-headed households: Comparing mother-adolescent dyads

The objectives of the present study were to compare the diet quality, nutritional status and satisfaction with life, food related life and family life between mothers and adolescent children from single and dual-headed households. In Temuco, Chile, families composed of single mothers and married or cohabiting mothers with one child aged between 10 and 17 years answered a questionnaire that included the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFoL) scale and Satisfaction with Family Life (SWFaL) scale. Continuous variables were analyzed using a dyadic hierarchical multilevel mixed model for distinguishable dyads. To analyze nutritional status, the between-dyads independent variable procedure for categorical data was performed using a Mann-Withney U test. Mothers and adolescents from single-headed and dual-headed families did not significantly differ in their AHEI scores. The proportion of overweight and obese mothers and adolescent children was higher in dual-headed households. Type of household did not influence the SWLS, SWFoL, and SWFaL of mothers, whereas adolescents from dual-headed households had higher SWFaL. Strategies to improve diet quality should be developed and implemented regardless of the family structure, yet interventions to improve nutritional status should be targeted at dual-headed households. Also, special emphasis should be given to improving the satisfaction with family life in adolescents from single-headed households.

Diet Quality and Satisfaction with Life, Family Life, and Food-Related Life across Families: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study with Mother-Father-Adolescent Triads.

Family is a major determinant of children’s and adolescents’ eating behavior. The objectives of the present study were to assess diet quality, eating habits, satisfaction with life, family life, and food-related life in mother–father–adolescent triads, and to identify profiles of families according to family members’ diet quality. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 300 two-parent families with one child over the age of 10 in the city of Temuco (Chile), including the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFoL) scale, Satisfaction with Family Life (SWFaL) scales, and questions relating to their eating habits. Positive relationships were found between the diet quality of the family members, particularly between mothers and adolescents. Three family profiles with different diet qualities were identified: “families with an unhealthy diet” (39.3%), “families in which mothers and adolescents have healthy diets, but the fathers’ diets require changes” (14.3%), and “families that require changes in their diet” (46.4%). These findings stress the key role of mothers in determining family diet quality and suggest a positive relationship between diet quality and satisfaction with life.