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

Infant Behav Dev. 2013 Dec;36(4):494-7. doi: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2013.04.006. Epub 2013 May 30.

Abstract

Relationships between infant negative reactivity and self-regulation, parenting self-efficacy, and child weight outcomes were examined. Greater observed negative reactivity predicted more child weight gain when mothers had lower parenting self-efficacy. Lower mother-reported self-regulation predicted a greater child weight status. Results highlight potential early risk/protective factors.

Keywords: Negative reactivity; Obesity; Parenting; Parenting self-efficacy; Self-regulation; Temperament; Weight status.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Weight / physiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Maternal Behavior / psychology
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Parenting / psychology*
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Social Control, Informal
  • Temperament*