Motivational and self-regulatory processes associated with weight-related parenting behaviors

Abstract

Background: Parents play an influential role on their child's eating and physical activity. How maternal personality and individual differences, such as motivation and self-regulation, are associated with their weight-related parenting has yet to be studied. The current study examined relationships of mothers' motivational and self-regulatory characteristics with weight-related parenting practices.

Methods: Mothers (N = 149, M_Age = 42.78 years, 49% Hispanic/Latino) of school-aged children (ages 10-14 years, 55.7% female) completed questionnaires assessing behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS), self-control, and weight-related parenting practices (i.e., role modeling, food restriction, rule enforcement, limiting, discipline, pressure to eat). Structural equation modeling examined associations of BIS, BAS, and self-control with parenting practices.

Results: Among mothers, higher avoidance motivation was associated with difficulty with rule enforcement. Higher approach motivation was associated with less limiting of unhealthy food and sedentary behavior. Higher self-control predicted more role modeling and less difficulty with rule enforcement.

Conclusion: Findings support associations of maternal motivational and self-regulatory processes with weight-related parenting behaviors. Results may inform tailored strategies based on individual differences for family-based interventions for parenting.

Keywords: Diet; Motivation; Parenting; Physical activity; Self-control.