Typologies of dual-earner households with adolescent children according to their satisfaction with food-related life

Abstract

Introduction/aim: The aim of this study was to identify family profiles based on the level of satisfaction with food-related life of three family members (mother, father and one adolescent), and to assess if these profiles differ according to the perceived family functioning of all three family members, the work-life balance and mental health of the parents, and the sociodemographic characteristics. Method: The sample was composed of 269 dual-earner parents with one child between 10 and 17 years of age in Temuco, Chile. Results: A cluster analysis was used to distinguish three family profiles: “mothers moderately satisfied with their food-related life, and fathers and adolescents satisfied” (Group 1, 32.7%), “families extremely satisfied with their food-related life” (Group 2, 55.0%) and “mothers and fathers satisfied with their food-related life, and adolescents moderately satisfied” (Group 3, 12.3%). Groups differed in the way that the three family members’ perceived family functioning, both parents’ work-life balance and perception of the financial situation of the household, as well as in the mother’s depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Conclusions: The results of this study can guide research on the links between food-related life and other life domains, and it may provide guidelines for campaigns and interventions to promote healthy eating habits and practices in different age groups.