Feeding Style and a Child's Body Mass Index

Early onset pediatric obesity has become a major health concern in the United States. A key contributing factor to early onset childhood is socialization to the eating and mealtime environment. Maternal feeding styles play an integral role in how children are socialized to the eating and mealtime environment.

The study utilized a descriptive correlational research design. The sample was 126 mother/child dyads recruited from a southeastern Michigan Head Start program. Each mother completed a research packet.

Results indicated that maternal beliefs such as nutritional belief and belief about the child's eating style were significantly associated with maternal feeding style. Maternal behaviors were associated with maternal feeding styles.

Overall, the study provides a description of maternal beliefs and behaviors related to the body weight status of a preschool-aged child.