Longitudinal associations between child discipline methods and physical growth patterns across preschool years
Authors' conclusion
Results indicate that early maltreatment experience can impact physical growth. This highlights the importance of preventing abusive parenting and encouraging healthy habits in young children who have experienced maltreatment to decrease their future risk for weight problems.
Study context
- Population
- Chinese preschool-aged children; parents reported discipline in first year of preschool; weight and height directly assessed annually
- Participants
- 661 children
- Exposure
- Frequency of discipline methods in first preschool year
- Outcome
- Physical growth (BMI z score; overweight or obesity)
- Follow-up
- Subsequent years (second and third year of preschool)
Methodological detailslongitudinal, annual direct assessment of weight and height, Parent questionnaire on discipline frequency; direct annual weight and height assessment in first and two subsequent years
- Longitudinal
- Annual direct assessment of weight and height
- Parent questionnaire on discipline frequency; direct annual weight and height assessment in first and two subsequent years
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Physical growth · subsequent years
- More frequent neglect and psychological aggression in first year associated with higher likelihood of decreased BMI z score in subsequent years
- More physical maltreatment in first year associated with increased likelihood of overweight or obesity in third year
- Multiple regression models
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Longitudinal associations between child discipline methods and physical growth patterns across preschool years. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 17 January 2024. doi:10.
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