title: Parent-Child Interaction, Self-Regulation, and Obesity Prevention in Early Childhood.
abstract: This paper describes the epidemiologic evidence linking parent-child relationships, self-regulation, and weight status with a focus on early childhood. The emotional quality of parent-child interactions may influence children's risk for obesity through multiple pathways. Prospective studies linking observer ratings of young children's self-regulation, particularly inhibitory control, to future weight status are discussed. Although findings are preliminary, promoting positive relationships between parents/caregivers and young children holds promise as a component of efforts to prevent childhood obesity. Multi-disciplinary collaborations between researchers with training in developmental science and child health should be encouraged.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 336 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. sanderson@cph.osu.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Keim
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012931:Social Environment
keywords: Early childhood; Epidemiology; Obesity; Parenting; Self-regulation