Family stressors and child obesity.
Child obesity is a public health priority with numerous and complex causes. This study focuses on factors within the family, namely stressful experiences, which may be associated with child obesity. We examine data from the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for children in two age groups: 5-11 and 12-17 years old. Results from an ordered probit regression model of child weight categorizations (healthy weight, overweight, obese) indicate positive associations between a range of family stressors (lack of cognitive stimulation and emotional support in the household among younger children, and mental and physical health problems and financial strain in the household among older children) and child overweight and obesity. We discuss how public policies that reduce family stressors may, in turn, help reduce child obesity.
Garasky
Steven a
Sa
Department of Human Development and Family Studies, 4380 Palmer Building, Room 2330, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA. sgarasky@iastate.edu
Stewart
Susan D
SD
Gundersen
Craig
C
Lohman
Brenda J
BJ
Eisenmann
Joey C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology; D016487:Parenting; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*