Family stress predicts poorer dietary quality in children: Examining the role of the parent–child relationship

Abstract

The present prospective study investigated a comprehensive model of family stress to explain changes in young children's diet quality from age 3 to 5 years. The direct associations of family stress with child diet quality were examined, as well as the indirect associations via features of the parent-child relationship, including inconsistent parenting practices, negative parent-child interactions, and poor emotional bond. Using an Australian sample of 579 mother-child dyads (child M age = 3.05 years; 45% boys), higher levels of family stress were predictive of less adequate child dietary quality (i.e., lower fruit and vegetable intake) over time with the effect on fruit intake occurring indirectly via impaired parent-child relationship quality. Notably, it was the relatively less well-studied indicators of family stress (maternal physical and psychological health difficulties) that were consistently associated concurrently and prospectively with poorer child diet quality. These results provide support for an ongoing broader focus on the family context in which children and parents are embedded, including their exposure to stress, as well as the continued focus on parent-child relationship factors, such as inconsistent parenting practices and negative parent-child interactions, as specific and modifiable predictors of children's diet quality over time. Highlights• A comprehensive model of family stress was examined to explain changes in young children's dietary intake from age 3-5 years.• Family stress was predictive of less adequate child dietary intake, with one effect occurring indirectly via impaired parent-child relationship quality.• Results support a broader focus on the family context, including stress exposure, as well as on specific parent-child relationship factors.

Different types of parental stress and childhood obesity: A systematic review of observational studies

“…In 10 studies, researchers examined the relationship between parents' life event stressors and children's weight and health behaviors . Stress from financial strain within a family was positively associated with children's weight status .…”

Maternal self‐rated health and psychological distress predict early feeding difficulties: Results from the longitudinal study of Australian children

“…Indeed, the extended UNICEF care model of child nutrition and obesity suggests that socio-emotional adversity, such as elevated maternal depression and stress, and reduced educational and economic resources, are associated with poorer child diet quality because adversity interferes with parental functioning and parent-child relationship quality (El-Behadli et al, 2015). This was supported by a recent study which found family stress at child age 3 years (indicated by maternal psychological distress, poor health, exposure to stressful events, and financial hardship) to be predictive of poorer child diet quality at age 5 years, and this pathway was partially indirect via impaired parent-child relationship quality (Webb et al, 2018).…”

“…In a study of “irregular eating habits” during early childhood, children of mothers who reported having fair/poor health around childbirth, compared to mothers in excellent health, showed increased odds of eating irregularity between ages 2 and 4 years (McDermott et al, ). Finally, one study was found (Webb et al, ) which independently examined maternal health as a correlate of child diet quality, with results showing that poorer maternal health at child age 3 years was correlated with lower child intake of fruit and vegetables, and higher intake of sugar, both concurrently and 2 years later at child age 5 years. Given the importance of both physical and psychological health for optimal functioning (Witmer & Sweeney, ), the present study also evaluates maternal self‐rated health as a predictor of breastfeeding duration and child feeding difficulties.…”

“…Maternal stress has been a focus of considerable research in relation to fetal health during pregnancy (e.g., Mulder et al, 2002), and there is preliminary evidence to suggest that parental stress is predictive of poorer diet quality during middle to late childhood (e.g., Parks, Kumanyika, Moore, Stettler, Wrotniak, & Kazak, 2012;Webb, Zimmer-Gembeck, Scuffham, Scott, & Barber, 2018). Yet, only one study could be found that examined mother's exposure to stress as a predictor of breastfeeding cessation (Li et al, 2008), and one study that examined mother's exposure to stress as a predictor of early child feeding problems (Schmid, Schreier, Meyer, & Wolke, 2011).…”

Let’s get physical: Recent research on relations of adolescent peer victimization with psychosomatic symptoms, sleep, and body weight

“…Rani, & Barber, 2018), as well as disturbing sleep and affecting physical pain and illness (see earlier sections). Studies integrating tests of the role of peer victimization in physical health as mediated by social and emotional adjustment are quite important directions for the future.…”