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Parent–Child Interaction, Self-Regulation, and Obesity Prevention in Early Childhood

  • Obesity Prevention (A Must, Section Editor)
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Abstract

This paper describes the epidemiologic evidence linking parent–child relationships, self-regulation, and weight status with a focus on early childhood. The emotional quality of parent–child interactions may influence children’s risk for obesity through multiple pathways. Prospective studies linking observer ratings of young children’s self-regulation, particularly inhibitory control, to future weight status are discussed. Although findings are preliminary, promoting positive relationships between parents/caregivers and young children holds promise as a component of efforts to prevent childhood obesity. Multi-disciplinary collaborations between researchers with training in developmental science and child health should be encouraged.

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Acknowledgments

Partial support for this article was provided by NIH grant R21DK104188 to Sarah Anderson.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 336 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Sarah E. Anderson

  2. Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA

    Sarah A. Keim

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Anderson, S.E., Keim, S.A. Parent–Child Interaction, Self-Regulation, and Obesity Prevention in Early Childhood. Curr Obes Rep 5, 192–200 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-016-0208-9

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