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. 2013 Dec;36(4):494-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2013.04.006. Epub 2013 May 30.

Infant temperament and maternal parenting self-efficacy predict child weight outcomes

Stephanie Anzman-Frasca  1 , Cynthia A Stifter, Ian M Paul, Leann L Birch
Affiliations

Infant temperament and maternal parenting self-efficacy predict child weight outcomes

Stephanie Anzman-Frasca et al. Infant Behav Dev. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

Relationships between infant negative reactivity and self-regulation, parenting self-efficacy, and child weight outcomes were examined. Greater observed negative reactivity predicted more child weight gain when mothers had lower parenting self-efficacy. Lower mother-reported self-regulation predicted a greater child weight status. Results highlight potential early risk/protective factors.

Keywords: Negative reactivity; Obesity; Parenting; Parenting self-efficacy; Self-regulation; Temperament; Weight status.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Mothers’ early parenting self-efficacy moderated the relationship between observed infant negative reactivity and child weight gain from age 1 to 3
The interaction term was statistically significant (β=−.35, p<.01). For children whose mothers had lower parenting self-efficacy at 3 weeks, observed infant negative reactivity during the Toy Removal task positively predicted weight gain from 1 to 3 years (β=.38, p<.05). For children whose mothers had higher parenting self-efficacy at 3 weeks, observed infant negative reactivity during the Toy Removal task inversely predicted weight gain from 1 to 3 years (β=−.37, p<.05).
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