Relation of Maternal Temperament, Body Dissatisfaction, and Concern About Child’s Weight to Maternal Child Feeding Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Child feeding practices are effective in children’s eating. This study examines the relation of maternal temperament, body dissatisfaction, and concern about child’s weight to child feeding practices. The sample comprised 3- to 6-year-old children and mothers. The Child Feeding Questionnaire, Nine Types Temperament Model, and Stunkard Figure Rating Scale were used. Correlation and regression were conducted. Parental perceived responsibilities and controlling increased as concerns about child’s weight increased. Type 1 and 3 temperaments seeking perfection and an admirable image, respectively, displayed more restriction. The findings demonstrate the need for considering temperament during interventions for child feeding practices as well as healthier body image.

Keywords:

• Child feeding practices
• temperament characteristics
• body dissatisfaction
• concern about child’s weight
• pressure to eat
• restriction

Acknowledgements

We want to thank the mothers for taking time out of their busy schedules to participate in this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).