Influence of childhood dietary habits on adolescent dietary habits and on the parent-child relationship

Abstract

The influence of past dietary habits on the parent-child relationship and present dietary habits was investigated. Undergraduates and junior college students (N = 291) completed questionnaires regarding their present dietary habits, self-esteem, parental bonding, and past experiences with home-prepared lunches brought to school, including the rituals and customs observed during eating, as well as the thought processes involved in eating. It was considered that these experiences reflected on the child's appraisal of the mother's attitude towards the child, as well as on reminiscences. The major findings were as follows: Satisfaction with home-prepared lunches had a significant effect on later parent-child relationship and current dietary habits. Childhood dietary habits had a greater influence on present dietary habits and parent-child relationships than those in later adolescence, despite the greater time lapse. It was concluded that the affirmative appraisal of the mother's attitude in preparing meals, facilitated children in developing positive attitudes about themselves. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)