In Europe, more than half of adults are obese (WHO, 2022). Enhancing the self-regulation of energy intake, the ability to respond to one's own hunger or satiety signals, can reduce the risk of...Show moreIn Europe, more than half of adults are obese (WHO, 2022). Enhancing the self-regulation of energy intake, the ability to respond to one's own hunger or satiety signals, can reduce the risk of obesity (DiSantis et al., 2011). Promoting the self-regulation of energy intake as early as possible in development is therefore crucial. The present study examined the relation between maternal sensitivity in different contexts (during free play and during meals) at 18 months and the child's self-regulation of energy intake at 24 months. The sample consisted of 103 mother-child dyads (41.7% boys), obtained from the longitudinal study "Baby's first bites” (Van der Veek et al., 2019). Maternal sensitivity was measured using “the Ainsworth Maternal Sensitivity Scale” (Ainsworth et al., 1974). The self- regulation of energy intake was assessed using an “Eating in Absence of Hunger” paradigm (Schultink et al., 2021). First, no significant relation was found between maternal sensitivity during free play at 18 months and self-regulation of energy intake at 24 months. Second, maternal sensitivity during mealtime at 18 months was not related to self-regulation of energy intake at 24 months. Finally, maternal sensitivity during free play and during mealtime at 18 months did not make a unique contribution to the child's self-regulation of energy intake at 24 months. This study contributed to the emerging research area of parenting practices and the self-regulation of energy intake. Based on the current research, it cannot be stated that maternal sensitivity contributes to the child's self-regulation of energy intake. Therefore, it is not yet clear how parents can best contribute to good self-regulation of energy intake. Follow-up research is needed.Show less
The development of ethnic preferences by children has mostly been studied in the United States, but less often in Europe, despite the growing diversity in cities, and the increased attention for...Show moreThe development of ethnic preferences by children has mostly been studied in the United States, but less often in Europe, despite the growing diversity in cities, and the increased attention for topics such as Black Lives Matter. This study investigated outgroup trust of mothers in relation to ethnic outgroup preference of Turkish-Dutch, Afro-Dutch, and White-Dutch children aged 6 to 8 years old (M = 7.44, SD = 0.97). The total sample of this study consisted of 109 Dutch, 52 Turkish-Dutch, and 39 Afro-Dutch children. The mothers were asked to complete a questionnaire about their level of trust in other ethnic groups. Child's ethnic preference was measured by showing the child photos of children with different ethnicities, and asking who they wanted to play with, sit next to, and who they would invite to their birthday party. The results showed that there was no significant relation between outgroup trust of mothers and ethnic preference of their children. In addition, it was found that belonging to the minority (Turkisch-, and Afro-Dutch) or majority (Dutch) group didn’t play a moderating role in this relation. Dutch mothers were found to show significantly more outgroup trust than Turkish-Dutch, and Afro-Dutch mothers. The Dutch children were found to show less ethnic outgroup preference than the Turkish, and Afro-Dutch children. The fact that no positive relation was found between outgroup trust of mothers, and ethnic preference of the child means that other factors may play a role in the development of ethnic outgroup preference of children. Besides more research on outgroup trust mothers, other factors should be explored to investigate about the development of children’s ethnic preferences.Show less
