J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2015 Aug;17(3):262-270. 10.7586/jkbns.2015.17.3.262.

Maternal Perception of Children's Weight, Maternal Body Shape Satisfaction, and Maternal Feeding Styles in Preschool-Aged Children

• Yun HJ
• Ra JS
• Jang M

• KMID: 2068965
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.2015.17.3.262

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the correlates of maternal perception (identification and satisfaction) of children's weight, maternal body shape satisfaction, and maternal feeding styles in Korean preschool-aged children.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. Participants consisted of 287 pairs of preschool-aged children (3-6 years) and their mothers. Data were analyzed by chi2-test, Fisher's exact test, ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficient.
RESULTS
Among the 287 mothers, 47.7% underestimated their children's weight, while 15.7% overestimated it. 46.7% of the mothers wished their children weighed more, while 11.1% of them wished their children weighed less. The mean score of maternal body shape satisfaction was 83.75+/-28.77. The mean score of parent-centered feeding styles was 2.95+/-0.54, and the mean score of child-centered feeding styles was 3.33+/-0.42. There were statistically significant correlations between maternal identification of children's weight and children's body mass index (BMI) (r=-.366, p<.001). In addition, there were statistically significant correlations between maternal satisfaction of children's weight and children's BMI (r=-.484, p<.001), maternal BMI (r=-.126, p=.033), and maternal body shape satisfaction (r=-.127, p=.031).
CONCLUSION
The results of the study suggest that intervention programs for mothers to develop more accurate perception of their child's weight should be established.

Keyword

Child; Preschool; Mothers; Body weight; Perception

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Body Weight
Child*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Humans
Mothers