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Parental substance use and child reward-driven eating behaviors
Jenna R Cummings1, Julie C Lumeng2, Alison L Miller3
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, 300 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Appetite
|October 13, 2019
Summary
Parental substance use, including nicotine and alcohol, is linked to increased reward-driven eating behaviors in children. This suggests family history of substance use may be a transdiagnostic risk factor for obesogenic eating patterns.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Family history of substance use is a known risk factor for substance use disorders.
- The biological vulnerability hypothesis suggests shared reward pathways may link substance use risk to obesogenic eating behaviors.
- Previous research indicates a link between family history of substance use and sweet liking/obesity in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parental substance use severity and child eating behaviors.
- To examine if parental nicotine and alcohol use are linked to homeostatic and reward-driven eating in children.
- To explore family history of substance use as a potential transdiagnostic risk factor.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 52 children (average age 10.18 years) assessed parental nicotine dependence and alcohol use (frequency, quantity, binge drinking, annual drinks).
- Child eating behaviors were measured using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire, distinguishing between homeostatic and reward-driven eating.
- Statistical analyses controlled for child age, sex, and family income.
Main Results:
- More severe parental nicotine dependence was associated with greater child reward-driven eating behaviors.
- Frequent and/or heavy parental alcohol use was also linked to significantly higher child reward-driven eating.
- No significant association was found between parental substance use and child homeostatic eating behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Parental substance use is associated with reward-driven eating behaviors in children.
- Family history of substance use may represent a transdiagnostic risk factor for obesogenic eating.
- This highlights a potential shared vulnerability for substance use and disordered eating patterns.
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