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High energy consumption among infants of mothers with depressive symptoms is mediated through indulgent feeding
Author(s) -
Hurley Kristen Marie,
Black Maureen M,
Caulfield Laura E
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.336.7
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , medicine , depressive symptoms , obesity , developmental psychology , psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , anxiety , economics , macroeconomics
Background Depression is a risk factor for obesity and increased energy consumption among women. Because children learn through imitation and food exposure, the effects of maternal depression may extend through their children's eating behaviors. Objective To examine the relationships among maternal depressive symptoms, feeding styles, and infant diet. Methods Maternal mental health, feeding styles, and a 24 hour diet recall were assessed by an interviewer‐administered telephone survey among 689 mothers of WIC receiving infants. Results Maternal depressive symptoms predicted higher infant energy consumption (β=59.9; CI: 1.9‐116.9; P<0.05). The relationship was mediated by indulgent feeding styles (MacKinnon Test = 1.50; P<0.05). Conclusion Among low income mothers, maternal depression is characterized by indulgent feeding styles, possibly resulting in excess infant energy consumption.