title: Maternal behaviors and restrained eating and body dissatisfaction in young children.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. d.anschutz@pwo.ru.nl
authors.forename: Doeschka J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Anschutz
authors.forename: Linda J A
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Kanters
authors.forename: Tatjana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Van Strien
authors.forename: Ad A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Vermulst
authors.forename: Rutger C M E
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Engels
mesh_terms: 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