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C. Penicka Thesis - 4.20.pdf (1.44 MB)

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Parental Practices Supporting Positive Eating Behaviors During Independent Eating Occasions Among Early Adolescent Children

Penicka, Christine M
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1492622722881349

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Human Ecology: Human Nutrition.
Background: Childhood obesity is a public health crisis in the United States. Because adolescence is a critical period in development with increased risk of onset, complications, or persistence of overweight or obesity, it is important to understand the familial, environmental, individual, and social influences on adolescents’ eating behaviors as they gain autonomy and begin making independent food choices. Parental practices are key influences on young children’s food preferences, although external factors increasingly influence children’s food choices with increasing age. The parents’ influence on young children is well documented, but parents’ influence on adolescents at independent eating occasions is unknown. Socioeconomic status affects parenting practices and eating behaviors, suggesting that differences may emerge between income levels. Objective: To explore and identify key parental practices that impact eating behaviors and food choices during independent eating occasions and compare between low-income and non-low-income families. Methods: Low-income (=185% USDA poverty guidelines) and non-low-income families (n=11 families total) in the Columbus, OH, area were recruited. Families were eligible if the parent had responsibility for food preparation and acquisition for the 10-13 year old child at least three days per week. In-depth interviews were conducted with parents about their child’s eating-related behaviors. Parents completed an online questionnaire assessing their home food inventory and food security. Results: Parents reported monitoring (regulating home food availability, providing food, setting limits), mentoring (discussing diet and health, reminding their children about healthy options), and role modeling (setting an example, promoting good habits) to influence their children’s eating behaviors at independent eating occasions. Both low-income and non-low-income parents reported engaging in these behaviors, although low-income parents expressed additional concern over the cost and convenience of foods and changed their monitoring behaviors accordingly. Conclusions: Parents behave as monitors, mentors, and role models to influence their children’s eating behaviors. Understanding the extent to which and why parents engage in these practices, and their influence on adolescents’ eating behaviors and weight, will inform future educational materials and interventions to ultimately improve adolescents’ weight status. Identifying the different needs of low-income and non-low-income families will allow tailoring of interventions by income level.
Carolyn Gunther, PhD (Advisor)
Julie Kennel, PhD, RD, LD (Committee Member)
Kelly Purtell, PhD (Committee Member)
95 p.
Families and Family Life; Health; Nutrition; Public Health
childhood; adolescence; obesity; independent; eating; parental practices

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Penicka, C. M. (2017). Parental Practices Supporting Positive Eating Behaviors During Independent Eating Occasions Among Early Adolescent Children [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1492622722881349

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Penicka, Christine. Parental Practices Supporting Positive Eating Behaviors During Independent Eating Occasions Among Early Adolescent Children. 2017. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1492622722881349.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Penicka, Christine. "Parental Practices Supporting Positive Eating Behaviors During Independent Eating Occasions Among Early Adolescent Children." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1492622722881349

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1492622722881349
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.