Maternal psychopathology, feeding practices and pre-schooler obesity risk: a longitudinal study

Abstract

The present study was the first to longitudinally examine associations between maternal psychopathology (depressive and anxiety symptomology, self-esteem and body dissatisfaction), pressure and restrictive child feeding practices, and risks for pre-schooler obesity (child BMI-z change) over two years. Participants were 290 mother-child dyads from Melbourne, Australia. Questionnaires examining demographic information, mothers’ psychopathology, feeding practices, and pre-schoolers’ BMI data were completed. Pre-schoolers’ BMI data was again obtained approximately two years later. Relationships were tested via path analysis and t-tests. At two-year follow-up, path analysis found that although the proposed model was a good fit (χ2 = 13.44(16), p >.05), only family income significantly predicted child BMI-z score change (β = 0.13, p < .05). Maternal psychopathology and child feeding practices were not significant predictors of pre-schoolers’ obesity risk. Independent t-tests revealed that children of mothers with either elevated body dissatisfaction or anxiety symptoms had significantly greater increases in BMI-z change. Results suggested maternal body dissatisfaction and anxiety may increase obesity risk in pre-schoolers. Future research into these contributors may assist in reducing the obesity epidemic and associated physical and psychological consequences.