Infant temperament and maternal parenting self-efficacy predict child weight outcomes

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Stephanie Anzman-Frasca1, Cynthia A Stifter, Ian M Paul

  • 1The Center for Childhood Obesity Research, Penn State University, United States.

Infant Behavior & Development
|June 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Infant negative reactivity and self-regulation impact child weight. Lower maternal self-efficacy combined with high infant reactivity increases child weight gain, highlighting early risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Parenting Studies

Background:

  • Infant temperament, specifically negative reactivity, is a key developmental factor.
  • Parenting self-efficacy and child self-regulation are crucial for child development.
  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern with multifactorial origins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interplay between infant negative reactivity, maternal parenting self-efficacy, and child self-regulation.
  • To examine the association of these factors with child weight outcomes.
  • To identify potential early risk and protective factors for child weight status.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study design examining relationships between variables.
  • Assessment of infant negative reactivity through observation.
  • Measurement of maternal parenting self-efficacy and child self-regulation via self-report.

Main Results:

  • Higher infant negative reactivity predicted increased child weight gain in contexts of lower maternal parenting self-efficacy.
  • Lower maternal self-reported self-regulation was associated with greater child weight status.
  • These findings suggest complex interactions influencing child weight trajectories.

Conclusions:

  • Infant negative reactivity and maternal factors are significant predictors of child weight.
  • Early identification of these risk factors may inform targeted interventions.
  • Understanding these relationships can support healthy child development and weight management.

Keywords:
Negative reactivityObesityParentingParenting self-efficacySelf-regulationTemperamentWeight status

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