Preferred Child Body Size and Parental Underestimation of Child Weight in Mexican-American Families.

摘要: Objective To determine whether parents who prefer a heavier child would underestimate their child's weight more than those leaner child. Methods Participants were Mexican-American families (312 mothers, 173 fathers, and 312 children ages 8-10) interviewed had height measurements. Parents reported preferred body size perceptions of weight. Parents' underestimation was calculated as the standardized difference between parent's perception mass index (BMI) z-score. Demographic factors parental BMI also assessed. Results Although 50 % overweight or obese, only 11 % mothers 10 % fathers perceived being somewhat very overweight. Multiple regressions controlling for covariates (parental age) showed that underestimated children's more, compared to (β mothers = .13, p < .03; β fathers = .17, p < .03). Conclusions Practice greater degree Attempts by pediatricians correct parents' misperceptions about may damage rapport ultimately fail if misperception is actually reflection preferences, which not be readily amenable change. Future research should address optimal methods communication take into account parent preferences.