Abstract

CORTES-MORENO, Assol  and  MENDEZ-LOZANO, Sergio Manuel. Parental stress, mealtime dyadic interactions, and undernourishment in the complementary feeding period. J. behav. health soc. ISSUES [online]. 2011, vol.3, n.2, pp.113-125. ISSN 2007-0780.  https://doi.org/10.5460/jbhsi.v3.2.30321.

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of parental stress and mother-child interactions on children nutritional status. The sample involved 16-18 month-old children: 20 eutrophic and 40 who were undernourished with their respective caregivers. Parental stress was assessed using the Abidin's Parental Stress Index (PSI). Mealtime dyadic interactions were videotaped and encoded to identify recurrent caregivers and children behaviors. Mothers of undernourished children scored higher in adaptability, acceptability, and in relationship with their spouses; their interactions were characterized for neglect and lack of enthusiasm while children were eating. PSI total score and the depression subscale were positively correlated with lack of enthusiasm, and PSI total score was negatively correlated with positive affective adjustment. The discussion enhances the importance of assessing an intervention based on the interactive styles to modify child nourishment status and then, evaluate the effect of such modification on parental stress.

Keywords : Child development; stunt; underweight; feeding practices; observational methodology.

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