Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2025

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
Motivational and self-regulatory processes associated with weight-related parenting behaviors
Bridgette Do1, Nanette V Lopez2, Genevieve F Dunton1,3
1Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
Background:
Parents play an influential role on their child's eating and physical activity. How maternal personality and individual differences, such as motivation and self-regulation, are associated with their weight-related parenting has yet to be studied. The current study examined relationships of mothers' motivational and self-regulatory characteristics with weight-related parenting practices.
Methods:
Mothers (N = 149, M = 42.78 years, 49% Hispanic/Latino) of school-aged children (ages 10-14 years, 55.7% female) completed questionnaires assessing behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS), self-control, and weight-related parenting practices (i.e., role modeling, food restriction, rule enforcement, limiting, discipline, pressure to eat). Structural equation modeling examined associations of BIS, BAS, and self-control with parenting practices.
Results:
Among mothers, higher avoidance motivation was associated with difficulty with rule enforcement. Higher approach motivation was associated with less limiting of unhealthy food and sedentary behavior. Higher self-control predicted more role modeling and less difficulty with rule enforcement.
Conclusion:
Findings support associations of maternal motivational and self-regulatory processes with weight-related parenting behaviors. Results may inform tailored strategies based on individual differences for family-based interventions for parenting.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivational Cycle
The cycle begins with a need. This need can arise from various conditions, such as hunger, thirst, or temperature changes. For instance, when an individual feels cold, their body...

