Associations between child temperament, weight status, and snack food consumption in a diverse sample of young children.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2026
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108695
Abstract
Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the relationship between snack food intake, child temperament, and weight-for length-z (WFL-z) score; therefore, this study examined these associations in young children. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 96 mother-child dyads (mean child age = 14.9 months, SD = 2.6). Mothers completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire, assessing Surgency, Negative Affectivity and Regulation. Three 24-h dietary recalls were analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research. Snack foods were categorized as Salty, Sweet and Commercial Snack Foods. Child height and weight were measured. Pearson's Correlations examined associations between unhealthy snack food intake (e.g., chips, cookies), child temperament, and child WFL-z scores. Multivariable linear regressions were conducted to further examine these associations, adjusting for covariates. The results show that Surgency was positively associated with mean sweet snack intake (β = 0.183, p = 0.044) and with mean daily energy consumption from snack food (β = 35.458, p = 0.040). While mean commercial snack food intake was negatively associated with WFL-z scores (β = -0.569, p = 0.031), mean sweet snack intake was positively associated with WFL-z scores (β = 0.406, p = 0.05). Surgency was not directly associated with WFL-z score, suggesting that other factors, such as parental feeding practices, may play a more prominent role. No significant associations were observed between Negative Affectivity or Regulation with snack food consumption or WFL-z scores. These findings highlight the need for further research on the nuanced role of temperament in early childhood to inform potential interventions for healthy eating.
Journal Title
Appetite
Volume
226
First Page
108695
Last Page
108695
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Snacks; Temperament; Female; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Infant; Body Weight; Feeding Behavior; Energy Intake; Surveys and Questionnaires; Diet; Eating; Mothers; Adult
PubMed ID
42364852
Keywords
Added sugar; Infant and child obesity; Infant and toddler temperament; Infant snack food; Negative affectivity; Regulation; surgency
Recommended Citation
Sethi T, Moore AM, Smith LM, Serwatka CA, Kong KL. Associations between child temperament, weight status, and snack food consumption in a diverse sample of young children. Appetite. 2026;226:108695. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2026.108695
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