Weight Status as a Mediator of the Association Between Preschool Extraversion and Adolescent Restrained Eating

Authors

Maren Hankey, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Katherine M. Kidwell, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jennifer Mize Nelson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kimberly Andrews Espy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Timothy D. Nelson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

J Pediatr Psychol. 42(8): 882-891

Comments

© The Author 2017.

DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsx049

Abstract

Objectives To determine the longitudinal association between preschool extraversion and weight/dieting outcomes in adolescence.

Methods Children (N = 180) were recruited as part of a longitudinal study, with child temperament assessed in preschool (age 5.25 years), weight assessed in 2nd grade and early adolescence, and eating outcomes assessed in early adolescence (mean age = 12.02 years).

Results Preschoolers high in extraversion were significantly more likely to have higher body mass index z-scores (zBMI) and more restrained eating behaviors in adolescence. zBMI was found to mediate the relationship between extraversion and restrained eating, such that children with high levels of extraversion were more likely to have higher zBMI in adolescence and, owing to this higher weight status, to engage in more restrained eating.

Conclusions Temperament is an important predictor of later maladaptive weight/dieting outcomes in adolescence, making it a potentially important early factor to consider in weight management interventions.