Citation

Dias GUN, Panduwawala PKTK, Posonmali BLR, Ranaweera HDR, de Alwis SMAN, Prathapan S, Liyanage G. Sri Lanka J. Child Health 2018; 47(3): 215-218.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians)

DOI

10.4038/sljch.v47i3.8541

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Parental feeding styles (authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent and uninvolved) are varied. Some styles may have adverse effects on child behaviour. In Sri Lanka, we do not have information on parental feeding patterns.

Objectives: To describe caregiver feeding styles in 4 selected schools in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka and to investigate the relationship between caregiver feeding styles and child behaviour.

Method: This was a cross sectional survey based on validated questionnaires (Child behaviour questionnaire and Caregiver's feeding styles questionnaire). Main caregivers of preschool children between 3-5 years were recruited.

Results: Most (82%) caregivers employ authoritarian feeding styles with more rules and control but less responsive to child's needs. Authoritative behavior exhibit better child behavior compared to other types of feeding styles.

Conclusions: In this study in 4 selected schools, 82% caregivers employed authoritarian feeding styles with less response to child's needs. Further, parents with authoritative feeding style exhibited better child behaviour compared to other feeding styles.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2018; 47: 215-218

Keywords: Feeding styles , behaviour , preschool , caregiver , demandingness , authoritative , indulgent authoritarian

Language: en