Longitudinal associations between child discipline methods and physical growth patterns across preschool years

Wong, R. S., Tung, K. T.S., Ho, F. K.W., Rao, N., Chan, K. L. and Ip, P. (2024) Longitudinal associations between child discipline methods and physical growth patterns across preschool years. Obesity, (doi: 10.1002/oby.23977) (PMID:38233354) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Objective Research has documented the associations of child maltreatment with a range of physical health problems, but little is known about the physical growth patterns of children who experience maltreatment in early childhood. This study aimed to examine the association between various discipline approaches and physical growth in preschool-aged children. Methods In the first year of preschool, parents of 661 Chinese preschool-aged children completed a questionnaire with items pertaining to the frequency of using physical maltreatment, psychological aggression, neglect, and nonviolent discipline toward the child. Children's weight and height were assessed annually using direct assessment in the first and two subsequent years. Longitudinal analyses were performed using multiple regression models. Results More frequent neglect and psychological aggression during the first year of preschool were associated with a higher likelihood of a decreased BMI z score in subsequent years. Conversely, increased experience of physical maltreatment in the first year was associated with an increased likelihood of having overweight or obesity in the third year. Conclusions 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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study was supported by the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project number: 17606523).
• Keywords: Physical growth, child maltreatment, obesity/overweight, body mass index, nonviolent discipline.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ho, Dr Frederick

Creator Roles

Ho, F.: Methodology, Investigation, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Wong, R. S., Tung, K. T.S., Ho, F. K.W., Rao, N., Chan, K. L., and Ip, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Obesity
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1930-7381
• ISSN (Online): 1930-739X
• Published Online: 17 January 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © 2024 The Authors.
• First Published: First published in Obesity 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence