Family Mealtimes and Family Functioning

ABSTRACT

This study contributes to the existing research literature by assessing how the frequency of family mealtimes correlates with family communication and life satisfaction. Participants consisted of 50 families from the Southeastern United States. Parent and child participants completed measures assessing frequency of family mealtime, family communication, and family satisfaction. Results indicated that, based on parent-report, the frequency of all family members eating dinner together was significantly and positively correlated with both family communication and family satisfaction. Implications of findings highlight the importance of encouraging regular mealtime interactions among families.