Maternal behaviors and restrained eating and body dissatisfaction in young children.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed at testing the relations between maternal weight concern and maternal encouragement to be thin as perceived by the child, and restraint and body dissatisfaction in young children.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data were collected among 501 children (aged 7-10), using self-reports on maternal behaviors, body dissatisfaction, and restraint. Height and weight were objectively measured. Model testing was conducted with M+, and multigroup tests were conducted to test differences between the sexes, and between younger and older children.


RESULTS
Associations between the child's perception of maternal encouragement to be thin and child body dissatisfaction and restrained eating were found, whereas the child's perception of maternal weight concern was primarily related to child restrained eating. No sex differences were found, but the relations were stronger for the older children.


CONCLUSIONS
Not only in girls, but in boys as well the child's perception of maternal behaviors plays a role. At primary school age children may become more vulnerable to possible maternal influences.
Anschutz
Doeschka J
DJ
Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. d.anschutz@pwo.ru.nl
Kanters
Linda J A
LJ
Van Strien
Tatjana
T
Vermulst
Ad A
AA
Engels
Rutger C M E
RC
D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009426:Netherlands; D012737:Sex Factors