The interactive effects of parental self‐efficacy and child eating styles in relation to naturalistically‐assessed craving, overeating, and loss of control eating

Abstract

Objective Parental factors have been linked to weight‐related outcomes in children, though less is known regarding the role of parental self‐efficacy (PSE) for promoting healthy dietary behaviors (HDBs). This study examined associations between PSE for promoting HDBs and child reports of craving, overeating, and loss of control eating in daily life. The interactive effects of PSE and child eating style (emotional eating, external eating, and restraint) were also explored. Method Thirty‐eight youth (ages 8–14; 55.3% female) with overweight/obesity and their parents completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire for Children (DEBQ‐C) and Parental Self‐Efficacy for Healthy Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors Scale, respectively. Youth completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to report craving, overeating, and loss of control eating. Results Generalized estimating equations indicated no consistent main effects of PSE on EMA outcomes, but PSE interacted with DEBQ‐C child eating styles to predict each EMA outcome. Among children of parents with lower PSE, (a) higher emotional eating was associated with greater overeating and loss of control eating; (b) higher external eating was associated with greater craving; and (c) higher restraint was associated with greater loss of control eating and craving. Conversely, these associations were attenuated among children of parents with higher PSE. Discussion Together findings suggest the interplay of child characteristics and PSE regarding children's eating behaviors warrants future investigation in the context of eating and weight disorders. In particular, further research is needed to examine the directionality of effects and mechanisms underlying these associations.

Current Status and Influencing Factors of Eating Behavior in Residents at the Age of 18~60: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

“…For example, Glasofer et al found that neither BMI, percent fat, carbohydrates consumed, nor snack or dessert intake was related to the general self-efficacy belief of adolescent girls assessed by a 17-item Self-efficacy Scale, but greater general self-efficacy was inversely associated with episodes of lost-of-control eating [63]. The study conducted by Smith et al showed that there were no consistent effects of parental self-efficacy on children's ecological momentary assessment outcomes of craving, overeating, and loss of control of eating [64]. Generally, the influence effect and mechanism of general self-efficacy on eating behavior were not fully understood.…”

Connections between Children’s Eating Habits, Mental Health, and Parental Stress

“…The scholastic complex consisted of two school buildings, both of which consisted of primary classes. We have directed our attention to primary school children because not only this period is fundamental for the development of healthy eating habits [ 15 , 17 , 23 ] but also because children of this age can answer structured questionnaires. A total of 125 children (50.5% females) and 161 parents (57.1% females) participated in the research.…”

“…Even if research showed that parents can play an important role in preventing the appearance of unhealthy eating habits in their children and in supporting healthy eating habits [ 15 ], it remains necessary to know their ability in assessing the quality of children's eating habits, whether these habits have some relations with children's mental health, and whether these habits can generate stress for parents.…”