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Mealtime structure and responsive feeding practices are associated with less food fussiness and more food enjoyment in children
Finnane, Julia M. Jansen, Elena Mallan, Kimberley M. Daniels, Lynne A.
Finnane, Julia M.
Jansen, Elena
Mallan, Kimberley M.
Daniels, Lynne A.
Abstract
Objective: To identify associations between structure-related and non-responsive feeding practices and children's eating behaviors. Design: Cross-sectional online survey design. Participants: Parents (n = 413) of 1- to 10-year-old children. Main Outcome Measures: Parental feeding practices and child eating behaviors were measured via the validated Feeding Practices and Structure and Children's Eating Behaviour questionnaires. Analysis: Associations between parental feeding practices and children's eating behaviors were tested using hierarchical multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for covariates. Results: Feeding practices accounted for 28% and 21% of the variance in food fussiness and enjoyment of food, respectively (P < .001). For all other eating behaviors the amount of variance explained by feeding practices was < 10% (P < .001). Key findings were that more structure and less non-responsive practices were associated with lower food fussiness and higher enjoyment of food. Conclusions and Implications: Overall, the findings suggested that mealtime structure and responsive feeding are associated with more desirable eating behaviors. Contrary to predictions, there was no evidence to indicate that these practices are associated with better self-regulation of energy intake. Longitudinal research and intervention studies are needed to confirm the importance of these feeding practices for children's eating behaviors and weight outcomes.
Keywords
feeding practices, child, eating behavior, responsive feeding, parent, self-regulation, mealtime
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Book
Volume
49
Issue
1
Page Range
11-18
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled