Qualitative Exploration of Dimensions of Restrictive Feeding With Australian Mothers of 6-Year-Olds

Abstract

Objective: Explore the nature and dimensions of restrictive feeding with mothers of 6-year-olds.

Design: Semistructured interviews with mothers. Conversations were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Setting: Brisbane and Adelaide, Australia.

Participants: Twenty-nine mothers of 6-year-olds.

Phenomenon of interest: Mothers' restrictive feeding practices.

Analysis: Qualitative thematic analysis.

Results: This study revealed 6 key themes relating to the restrictive feeding phenomenon: restriction of specific foods and drinks; restrictive feeding practices; mothers' motivation; mothers' preferences for restricted foods; patterns over time; and relationships with other controlling feeding practices. Parents' restrictive feeding practices are likely to be inherently inconsistent, with mothers reportedly varying their practices across different restricted foods, contexts, day to day, and as children age. Mothers intended to either totally restrict or restrict a food/drink in moderation, and these intentions presented qualitatively distinct characteristics across themes. Mothers commonly referred to foods/drinks restricted in moderation as treats, and their liking for these restricted foods/drinks was related to higher child access.

Conclusions and implications: This study provides insights into the nature and dimensions of restrictive feeding. Further research is proposed to clarify these findings and examine the effects of child access, types of restrictive feeding practices, and parent communication on child preferences for restricted foods and drinks across a range of cultural groups.

Keywords: controlling feeding practices; in-depth interviews; qualitative; restriction; restrictive feeding practices.