The role of attachment security in the intergenerational transmission of obesity: a longitudinal study

This prospective longitudinal study of preschool-aged children (n = 71) and their primary caregivers examined the associations between caregiver weight status, child weight status, and attachment security. I hypothesized that, consistent with previous research, I would find a positive relationship between caregiver and child weight; moreover, I predicted that greater child attachment security would attenuate the link between caregiver and child weight. Findings indicated that although attachment security was not buffering the caregiver-child weight link as hypothesized, it did have a negative, albeit weak, direct effect on child weight. Rather than functioning as a deterrent to this line of work, the mixed support for my hypotheses served as a springboard for thinking about future research. Limitations and a future prospective longitudinal project are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human Dvlpmt & Family Studies

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2017

Author dc:creator

• Parsons, Alyssa C

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bost, Kelly K.
• Wiley, Angela R.

• Attachment
• Pediatric obesity
• Body mass index (BMI)

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2016 Alyssa C Parsons

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/95614

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/95614