Feeding style differences in food parenting practices associated with fruit and vegetable intake in children from low-income families

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2013 Nov-Dec;45(6):643-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2013.05.007. Epub 2013 Jul 13.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the moderating effects of feeding styles on the relationship between food parenting practices and fruit and vegetable (F & V) intake in low-income families with preschool-aged children.

Design: Focus group meetings with Head Start parents were conducted by using the nominal group technique. Parents completed information on food parenting practices and feeding styles. Three dietary recalls were collected on each child.

Setting: Parents completed measures in Head Start centers and/or over the telephone.

Participants: 667 parents of preschool-aged children participated.

Outcomes: Food parenting practices and F & V intake.

Analysis: Mean differences in the food parenting practices across the 4 feeding styles were established through multivariate general linear modeling using MANOVA. Moderated multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the moderating role of feeding style on food parenting practices and child F & V intake.

Results: The indulgent feeding style moderated the relationship between food parenting practices and child F & V intake.

Conclusions and implications: This study indicates that parents' feeding styles have a moderating effect on the relationship between the food parenting practices and children's F & V intake. This finding can facilitate the development of interventions aimed at reducing childhood overweight.

Keywords: child, fruit and vegetable intake; feeding styles; focus group; food parenting practices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Food Preferences
  • Fruit*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parenting*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Vegetables*