Psychological attributes and eating behaviors in 5- to 12-year-old children during periods of stress.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between psychological attributes and obesogenic behaviors in children during the period of COVID-19 pandemic-induced stress.

METHODS

This observational study collected data from caregivers of 5- to 12-year-old children from three diverse groups assessing sociodemographic, economic, and perceived stress, along with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire, revised (FEAHQ-R), in October 2020 and June 2021. The outcome measures were SDQ and FEAHQ-R scores. The SDQ subscales were compared with US child norms. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between the SDQ subscales and FEAHQ-R domains, adjusting for socioeconomic covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 361 families (496 children) completed the SDQ and FEAHQ-R. The SDQ subscale scores were higher than those of age/gender norms (p = 0.006-<0.001). Eating style (p < 0.001) and food stimulus exposure scores (p = 0.005-0.01) were associated with the SDQ subscales, but not satiety response. Perceived stress was a significant covariate (p < 0.01). The baseline obesity status of the children was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological stress is associated with higher hedonic behavior in children. Food stimulus exposure and leisure access can be targeted for intervention during periods of prolonged stress.