Development of Appetite Self‐Regulation: Integrating Perspectives From Attachment and Family Systems Theory

Abstract

Appetite self‐regulation develops rapidly during the first 2 years of life, with implications for weight‐related health and well‐being over the life span. Attachment theory suggests that interpersonal interactions between caregivers and children are part of the biobehavioral system designed to promote the development of self‐regulation. However, parent–child dyads are embedded within the family system, which also influences individual differences in appetite self‐regulation. In this review, we synthesize research on appetite self‐regulation from the perspectives of attachment and family systems theories to identify strengths and limits in how we understand the development of appetite self‐regulation. We propose an integrative theoretical framework in which familial and dyadic factors influence appetite self‐regulation directly and indirectly via modifications to the quality of parent–child interactions during infancy and early childhood. Finally, we identify avenues for research to test pathways of risk, resilience, and well‐being toward optimal appetite self‐regulation and weight outcomes.

A biopsychosocial approach to processes and pathways in the development of overweight and obesity in childhood: Insights from developmental theory and research

“…For example, the idea that meaning and parent‐child relationships are coconstructed could be usefully applied in conceptualizing and researching parenting and children's appetitive traits. In addition, attachment theory and family systems theory, which are prominent in developmental science, could be drawn on in the examination of the development of OW/OB in childhood . Attention to cascades in development where early determinants have spreading effects on development over time and/or developments in one domain (eg, cognitive development) can progressively shape developments in other domains (eg, social development or parenting behavior) could also have a useful applications in relation to OW/OB in childhood.…”

“…Other research groups examining children's eating and weight have also sought insights from developmental science. [62][63][64][65][66] The present review extends those efforts through a focus on processes in the development of OW/OB from infancy to early middle childhood through the integration of biological and psychosocial influences.…”

“…In addition, attachment theory and family systems theory, which are prominent in developmental science, could be drawn on in the examination of the development of OW/OB in childhood. 66 Attention to cascades in development 215,232,264,267,347 where early determinants have spreading effects on development over time and/or developments in one domain (eg, cognitive development)…”

“…In that review, we outlined the extensive use of biopsychosocial and related conceptual models in developmental science and insights that arise from use of these models and associated research. Other research groups examining children's eating and weight have also sought insights from developmental science . The present review extends those efforts through a focus on processes in the development of OW/OB from infancy to early middle childhood through the integration of biological and psychosocial influences.…”

Biological and Psychosocial Processes in the Development of Children’s Appetitive Traits: Insights from Developmental Theory and Research

“…More attention to self-regulation of energy intake could be important for advances in knowledge about EAH and emotional eating. Saltzman et al [ 197 ] have recently made a similar argument, although in their formulation the likely biological bases to self-regulation were not incorporated.…”