Parent–child communication about weight: Priorities for parental education and support
Authors' conclusion
Parent and youth perspectives indicate a need for education to help parents engage in supportive conversations about body weight. Findings can inform efforts to reduce barriers and increase supportive weight-related communication in families.
Study context
- Population
- Parents and youth, online surveys, Fall 2021two independent samples
- Participants
- 1,936 vs 2,032
- Exposure
- Parents vs Youth
- Parentsn = 1,936
- Youthn = 2,032
- Outcome
- Perceived barriers to weight communication and preferences for educational resources and support
Methodological detailsonline surveys, two independent, unrelated samples
- Online surveys
- Two independent, unrelated samples
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Parent and youth-reported barriers included discomfort and lack of knowledge about weight, and views that weight does not need to be discussed
- Most parents wanted guidance on navigating multiple weight-related topics (positive body image, healthy behaviours, reducing weight criticism, focusing more on health, addressing weight-based bullying)
- Youth preferred parents avoid weight-related criticism and pressures, increase sensitivity and encouragement, and emphasize healthy behaviours rather than weight
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
- Few differences by sex and race/ethnicity; several differences for youth engaged in weight management
Original publication
Parent–child communication about weight: Priorities for parental education and support. Pediatr Obes. Published 2 April 2023. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →