Father–child and mother–child interaction in families with a child feeding disorder

The role of paternal involvement

Bibliographic Data

ID11276563
AuthorsNaama Atzaba‐poria (0000-0002-2864-601X, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, corresponding author), Gal Meiri (0000-0003-4100-4588, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), Maaian Millikovsky (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), Anat Barkai (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), Maayan Dunaevsky‐Idan (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), Baruch Yerushalmi (0000-0001-5178-865X, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)
Year2010
Volume31
Issue6
Pages682-698
Publication date2010-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInfant Mental Health Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0163-9641 • E-ISSN: 1097-0355
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/imhj.20278
PMID28543067
OpenAlexW2136057708
LanguageEN
Citations received16
References cited44

To date, research about feeding disorder (FD) has focused almost exclusively on the mother–child dyad, ignoring fathers' roles. The current study investigated father–child interactions with children having FD. The sample consisted of 67 children (1–3 years old) and their mothers and fathers. Thirty‐four children, diagnosed with a nonorganic‐based FD (FD group) and 33 children without an FD (control group) were matched for age, gender, birth order, and maternal education. Data were collected during home visits. Mothers were interviewed about their and the father's involvement in childcare. In addition, mother–child and father–child interactions were videotaped during play and feeding. Both mothers and fathers from the FD group experienced less positive parent–child interactions than did parents in the control group. Furthermore, mothers in the FD group reported greater maternal versus paternal childcare involvement than did control group mothers. Finally, FD group mothers exhibited more parental sensitivity than did fathers during feeing interactions; however, this difference was observed only when coupled with low paternal involvement. In families where fathers were highly involved, no difference was evident in paternal and maternal sensitivity. These findings highlight the importance of fathers' involvement, especially in families with children exhibiting an FD

Developmental psychology · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Family and Disability Support Research · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Psychology

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub