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Cho NA, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D, Reimer RA. Early Life Surgency, but not Effortful Control or Negative Affectivity, Is a Mediating Variable Between Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Childhood Obesity Risk. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22517. [PMID: 38924077 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Maternal gestational obesity is related to risk of obesity in the child. This risk may be in part mediated by altered child temperament, which can affect mother-child interactions, including feeding and soothing behaviors that affect obesity risk. Our objective was to examine the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and child zBMI and determine if child temperament, specifically positive Affectivity/Surgency, mediates this association. Using conditional process modeling, we analyzed data from 408 mother-child dyads enrolled in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Child temperament was assessed at 3 years of age via a parent report measure, the Child Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), and child zBMI was calculated from in-person measurements of child height and weight at 4-5 years of age. Bivariate correlations showed that there was a significant positive correlation between zBMI and Surgency (r = 0.11, p = 0.03), and zBMI was also correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (r = 0.12, p = 0.02). Multivariable regression revealed that maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (adjusted β = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.00-0.05, p = 0.02) and Surgency scores (adjusted β = 0.14, 95% CI; 0.02-0.28, p = 0.03) were associated with higher child zBMI at 4-5 years of age. Mediation analysis showed that Surgency mediated the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and child zBMI. Our models controlled for maternal gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, socioeconomic status, maternal anxiety and depression, and gestational age at birth. Overall, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was positively associated with child zBMI, and this association was mediated by higher child Surgency scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Cho
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raylene A Reimer
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Johnson SL, Moding KJ, Flesher A, Boenig R, Campain J. I'll Never Give Up: A Qualitative Study of Caregivers' Perceptions and Decisional Processes When Feeding Infants and Toddlers Novel and Disliked Foods. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2024:S1499-4046(24)00008-3. [PMID: 38493374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand caregivers' decisional processes related to offering novel and disliked foods to their infants and toddlers. DESIGN As part of a parent study on young children's food acceptance that took place in Denver, CO, this secondary analysis used a basic qualitative approach to explore caregivers' decisional processes related to repeated exposure and children's food rejection. PARTICIPANTS English-speaking caregivers of infants and toddlers (aged 6-24 months; n = 106) were recruited via flyers and social media and interviewed (from July, 2017 to January, 2018) during a laboratory visit focused on introducing a novel food. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST Factors influencing caregiver decisions to (dis)continue offering novel or disliked foods. ANALYSIS Using a combined deductive and inductive coding approach, trained researchers coded transcripts and codes, which were reviewed and discussed by all investigators to identify themes. RESULTS Three major themes (and 2 subthemes) were generated regarding caregivers' decisions about re-offering rejected foods: 1) Caregivers understand that multiple experiences with new foods are needed because children's reactions can be unpredictable and depend upon time, developmental stage, and child traits; 2) Caregivers vary in their persistence and decisions to keep offering foods depending on responsiveness to child cues (sub-theme) and adult-centered beliefs, needs, and decisions (sub-theme); 3) Child food acceptance will change with time, circumstances, and development if you keep trying. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Although caregivers are aware of repeated exposure, additional implementation research focused on translating theory into effective home practices could assist caregivers to persist in offering novel or disliked foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO.
| | - Kameron J Moding
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Abigail Flesher
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Rebecca Boenig
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Joseph Campain
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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Zhang X, Zhou Q, Vivor NK, Liu W, Cao J, Wang S. Sequential mediation of early temperament and eating behaviors in the pathways from feeding practices to childhood overweight and obesity. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1122645. [PMID: 37766743 PMCID: PMC10520502 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1122645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood eating behaviors and temperament may have important implication for constructing the pathways from maternal feeding practices to childhood overweight and obesity (OW/OB). Examining multiple feeding styles simultaneously to childhood OW/OB is critical through the mediators of early childhood temperament and eating behaviors. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited mothers mainly responsible for child care from two hospitals and two healthcare centers in eastern China. Sociodemographic characteristics, and data from the Infant Feeding Style Questionnaire (IFSQ), the short form of Children Behavior Questionnaire [Revised (IBQ-RSF)], and the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire for toddler (CEBQ-T) were collected. Weight and recumbent length were measured to calculate the age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) z-scores (BMIz). The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to examine direct and indirect pathways from five maternal feeding styles to childhood OW/OB through temperament and eating behaviors. Results A total of 486 children were recruited, 73 (15.02%) children were OW/OB; the age of the children was 14.55 (SD = 5.14) months, and the age of the mothers was 29.90 (SD = 3.63) years. The responsive feeding exerted significant direct (β = -0.098), indirect (β = -0.136) and total (β = -0.234) effects on childhood OW/OB. Restrictive feeding had significant direct (β = 0.222), indirect (β = 0.102) and total (β = 0.324) effects on childhood OW/OB. Indulgent feeding had significant direct (β = 0.220), indirect (β = 0.063), and total (β = 0.283) effects on childhood OW/OB. Pressuring feeding had significant direct (β = -0.116), indirect (β = -0.096) and total (β = -0.212) effects on childhood OW/OB. Discussion There was a direct effect of feeding practices on childhood OW/OB; feeding practices indirectly predicted childhood OW/OB through temperament and eating behaviors in children aged 6-23 months. This study could help governments agencies, policymakers, and healthcare workers to establish optimal intervention programs targeting feeding practices through childhood eating behaviors and temperament to prevent childhood OW/OB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Zhang
- School of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Philosophy and Social Science Laboratory for Research in Early Development and Childcare, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Department of Medical Nursing, Union Technical Institute, Lianyungang Subbranch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Wei Liu
- School of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junli Cao
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- School of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Moding KJ, Kielb EI. Conceptual Considerations and Methodological Challenges to Measuring Food Acceptance During Infancy. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:407-415. [PMID: 37460785 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00480-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to (1) present a conceptual definition of infant food acceptance, (2) explore methodological challenges to measuring different components of food acceptance, and (3) provide recommendations for future research on food acceptance during infancy. RECENT FINDINGS Infant food acceptance includes separate but overlapping components: wanting, liking, and consumption. Recent evidence suggests that although these components are often correlated, there is variability in the sensitivity of these measures to detect differences in infants' responses to target foods. To date, consumption and caregiver perceptions of liking have been the primary outcome measures of interest in studies of infant food acceptance. More diverse and precise measures across the three components of infant food acceptance are needed to address a wider scope of research questions, which would in turn strengthen the interpretability and translational potential of research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameron J Moding
- Department of Human Development & Family Science, Purdue University, 1200 Mitch Daniels Blvd, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Elizabeth I Kielb
- Department of Human Development & Family Science, Purdue University, 1200 Mitch Daniels Blvd, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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Tauriello S, Moding K, Aronoff N, Kubiniec E, Anzman-Frasca S. Examining links between child temperament and feeding, eating, and weight outcomes: An updated systematic review of the literature. Eat Behav 2023; 49:101739. [PMID: 37209569 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight outcomes have been associated with child temperament, defined as individual differences in reactivity and self-regulation. The current systematic review aims to provide an updated summary of the evidence linking temperamental negative reactivity, surgency, and regulation superfactors to early childhood feeding, eating, and weight outcomes. METHODS PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase databases, as well as scientific meeting programs, were searched using keywords and subject headings. Publication dates were limited to 2012-2019 as prior reviews were published in 2012 and 2014. Identified studies were eligible if they included children ages 0-5 years, a measure of child temperament, and a measure of parent/caregiver feeding, child eating, or child weight. 7113 studies were identified and 121 met inclusion criteria. RESULTS Feeding, eating, and weight outcomes were largely unrelated to overarching negative reactivity, surgency, and effortful control superfactors. Examination of individual temperament dimensions suggested difficult temperament was frequently linked to non-responsive feeding practices, whereas elevated emotionality and decreased self-regulation were linked to maladaptive eating behaviors, and lower inhibitory control to adiposity. Analyses with infants reported greater percentages of significant associations compared to children, and cross-sectional studies generally reported fewer significant associations than other study designs. CONCLUSIONS Difficult temperament, greater emotionality and lower self-regulation and inhibitory control were the aspects of temperament most consistently related to poorer early childhood feeding, eating, and weight outcomes. Associations tended to be stronger in infancy, and when examined within a non-cross-sectional study design. Findings can inform the development of tailored efforts to promote healthy eating and growth throughout childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tauriello
- Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Kameron Moding
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | - Nell Aronoff
- University Libraries, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Kubiniec
- Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Anzman-Frasca
- Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America; Center for Ingestive Behavior Research, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America.
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Ju S, Iwinski S, Fiese BH, McBride BA, Bost KK. Influences of Child Temperament and Household Chaos on Preschoolers' Emotional Eating. Child Obes 2022; 18:523-532. [PMID: 35231179 PMCID: PMC9805884 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2021.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background: Emotional eating has been linked to child temperament and family environment factors, such as household chaos. However, few studies have examined how child and home characteristics independently and together influence children's overeating and undereating in response to negative emotions. Objective: The current study examined associations among child temperament, household chaos, and emotional eating in children 18-24 months of age, and interaction effects were also tested. Methods: The study included an analysis sample of 371 families participating in the larger STRONG Kids2 longitudinal birth cohort study (N = 468). The Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire was used to assess child temperament at 18 months, and the Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale was used to assess disorganization in the household at 24 months. Child emotional eating at 24 months was assessed using parental reports of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Results: Negative affectivity and household chaos were independently associated with child emotional overeating. Negative affectivity, effortful control, and household chaos were significantly associated with emotional undereating. No significant interactions were found. Conclusions: Child temperament and household environment independently influence emotional eating in young children, highlighting the need to consider these factors in early prevention. Longitudinal studies are warranted to determine mechanisms that may be involved in these relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehyun Ju
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Samantha Iwinski
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Barbara H. Fiese
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Brent A. McBride
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Child Development Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kelly K. Bost
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
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Augustine ME, Moding KJ, Stifter CA. Person-centered profiles of child temperament: A comparison of coder, mother, and experimenter ratings. Infant Behav Dev 2022; 68:101725. [DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2022.101725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ju S, Iwinski S, Fiese BH, McBride BA, Bost KK. Infant temperament and mealtime distractions as predictors of preschool Children's bite speed during family mealtime. Appetite 2022; 177:106157. [PMID: 35780936 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Eating behaviors are shaped at an early age, persist into adulthood, and are implicated in the development of physical health outcomes, including obesity. Faster bite speed has been identified as an obesogenic eating behavior, prompting researchers to examine child and family factors associated with children's variability in bite speed. Child temperament, involving phenotypes of reactivity and regulation, and distractions in family food contexts are fruitful areas of investigation, but few studies have examined the interplay among these factors and their associations with bite speed. To address the gap in the literature, we examined relations between early child temperament, family mealtime distractions, and children's observed bite speed. Caregiver report of child temperament at 3 months was measured using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire Very Short Form - Revised. Child mealtime distractions and bite speed were assessed using family mealtime videos that were collected during home visits when children were 18-24 months of age (n = 109). Results revealed that children who were reported to be higher on orienting/regulation at 3 months, and who were more distracted during mealtimes at 18-24 months, had relatively slower bite speeds. No significant interactions were found. The findings from this correlational study inform further investigations into the implications of early temperament and food contexts for the development of eating behaviors implicated in obesity risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehyun Ju
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Samantha Iwinski
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Barbara H Fiese
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA; Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Brent A McBride
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA; Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA; Child Development Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Kelly K Bost
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA; Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Johnson SL, Moding KJ, Grimm KJ, Flesher AE, Bakke AJ, Hayes JE. Infant and Toddler Responses to Bitter-Tasting Novel Vegetables: Findings from the Good Tastes Study. J Nutr 2021; 151:3240-3252. [PMID: 34191021 PMCID: PMC8485907 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants are born with the biological predisposition to reject bitterness. Dark green vegetables contain essential nutrients but also bitter compounds, making them more difficult to like. OBJECTIVE The Good Tastes Study was designed to determine whether reducing bitterness by adding small amounts of sugar or salt would alter infant acceptance of kale purées. METHODS Caregivers (n = 106, 94% mothers, 82% Non-Hispanic White) and children (53% male, aged 6-24 mo) participated in a videorecorded laboratory visit during which infants were offered 4 versions of puréed kale: plain, 1.2% or 1.8% added sugar, or 0.2% added salt. Caregivers rated their children's liking for each kale version. Videos were coded for the number of tastes accepted and for children's behaviors and acceptance of each kale version. A multilevel ordered logistic model was fit for the number of accepted tastes and caregiver ratings of child liking of kale versions with age, breastfeeding history, order effects, and kale version as predictors. RESULTS Infants 6 to <12 mo accepted more tastes (b = 2.911, P < 0.001) and were rated by caregivers as liking the kale more than older toddlers (≥18 mo; b = 1.874, P = 0.014). The plain kale was more likely to be accepted (P < 0.001); also, the first version offered was more likely to be rejected (b = -0.586, P < 0.007). Older infants (≥18 mo) exhibited more avoidant behaviors (b = 1.279, P < 0.001), more playing (b = 2.918, P < 0.001), and more self-feeding (b = 1.786, P = 0.005) than younger infants (6 to <12 mo). Children who were reported to have been breastfed more in the last 7 d were more likely to self-feed (b = 0.246, P < 0.001) and play with food (b = 0.207, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Our findings support that there may be a sensitive period, during the early phase of complementary feeding, to improve success of introducing a novel, bitter, more difficult-to-like food. When low levels of sugar or salt were added, no advantage of bitterness reduction was observed. This study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04549233.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kameron J Moding
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Kevin J Grimm
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Abigail E Flesher
- Department of Pediatrics University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alyssa J Bakke
- Sensory Evaluation Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - John E Hayes
- Sensory Evaluation Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Children's behavioral self-regulation and conscience: Roles of child temperament, parenting, and parenting context. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 63:54-64. [PMID: 31933507 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study examined longitudinal, temperament-specific relations between parenting qualities in two interactive contexts and behavioral measures of child self-regulation and conscience. Mother-toddler interactions were observed for maternal gentle control and mutual positivity and responsiveness (MPR) when children were 18 months old (sample N=134, 53% male, 92% non-Hispanic White). Child temperament was also assessed, yielding exuberant, inhibited, and average-approach temperament groups. Children's behavioral self-regulation and conscience were assessed at 4.5 years of age. Mother gentle control in a free play related to poorer later behavioral self-regulation for children in the average-approach group, whereas gentle control in a clean-up related to better behavioral self-regulation in the exuberant group. MPR during the clean-up related to better conscience in the inhibited group. These results provide further support for temperament- and context-specific relations between different parenting qualities and children's later regulatory skills, which may inform the development of more effective temperament-based parenting interventions.
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Stifter CA, Moding KJ. Temperament in obesity-related research: Concepts, challenges, and considerations for future research. Appetite 2019; 141:104308. [PMID: 31158396 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Temperament, defined as individual differences in reactivity and regulation, has important implications for the development of childhood obesity. Indeed, numerous studies have demonstrated associations between temperament and children's eating behavior, parent feeding practices, and children's weight outcomes. Together, these findings have significantly improved our understanding of the developmental pathways to obesity-related outcomes. However, to better our understanding of the role of temperament in children's health, greater attention to how temperament is conceptualized and measured is needed. The purpose of this paper is to review the concept and principles of temperament, describe challenges in the measurement of temperament, and provide considerations for future research aimed at understanding the relationship between temperament, food intake, and childhood obesity. Moving forward, a fuller appreciation of the complexity of the temperament concept and thoughtful selection of temperament measures may help improve predictions and identify targets for interventions aimed at decreasing the risk for obesity in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Stifter
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, 119 Health and Human Development Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Kameron J Moding
- University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Mail Stop F561, Room 2600, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Stifter CA, Moding KJ. Infant temperament and parent use of food to soothe predict change in weight-for-length across infancy: early risk factors for childhood obesity. Int J Obes (Lond) 2018; 42:1631-1638. [PMID: 29463917 PMCID: PMC6066452 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-018-0006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Greater weight gain in infancy is a risk factor for childhood obesity. The present study examined the interaction between infant temperament and parent use of food to soothe infant distress (FTS) as predictors of weight gain across the first 2 years of life. SUBJECTS/METHODS A total of 160 mother-infant dyads were recruited into a longitudinal study. Infant temperament was assessed by parents through a questionnaire (surgency, negativity) and by observer ratings (surgency, irritability) during a laboratory visit when infants were 6 months old. Parents also completed a 3-day infant cry diary when their children were 6 months of age to assess when they used food in response to infant cry/fuss bouts. Infant weight/length was measured in the lab at 6 and 18 months. Multiple regressions were run to test the moderating effect of FTS on weight gain. RESULTS Significant interactions were revealed for both measures of surgency and parent FTS in predicting weight gain. Surgent infants whose parents had a greater tendency to use FTS had greater weight-for-length gain in 1 year than if their parents tended to use less FTS. The interaction between observer ratings of irritability and parent FTS was also significant but in an unexpected direction. CONCLUSIONS The findings point to the role of temperament, specifically surgency, in weight gain during infancy, but only if their parents used FTS. Surgency may have evoked this feeding practice that increased their health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Stifter
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, USA.
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