Family Mealtimes and Realtionships to Food

Introduction: The present study will analyze the relationship between the frequency of childhood family mealtimes and the adulthood relationship to food. The current literature indicates there are numerous beneficial factors of family mealtimes for children and adolescents (e.g.,). However, the current literature does not fully explore the adult relationships to food that results from childhood family mealtimes. Implications of the current literature done on family mealtimes indicate a range of benefits including healthy psychosocial development, decreases in the risks of obesity, and family connectedness. The main objective of the present study is to understand and analyze the relationship between the frequency of childhood family mealtimes and adulthood relationship to food. Methodology: Data will be collected through the online software SONA using self report questionnaires. Participants will be responding to questions relating to family mealtime frequency from their childhoods. Participants will also be responding to the standardized measures of the Family Mealtime Routine Measure, the Family Eating Habits Questionnaire, the Meaning of Food, and a brief demographic questionnaire. Projected Results: It is hypothesized that higher family meal times throughout childhood with relate to stronger relationships on the Meaning of Food subscales. The subscales that will be analyzed on this measure are the control over life, control over food, family, emotional regulation, and social interaction sub scales. It is hypothesized that there will be correlations between socioeconomic status and the frequency of family mealtimes throughout childhood. It is also hypothesized that participants who experienced more family meals during their childhood would have high scores on the Meaning of Food subscales. The overall projected results are that family mealtimes from childhood influence the relationships to food in adulthood. Significance: The importance of the present study relates to the gap in the current literature regarding the potential relationship between family mealtimes in childhood and adulthood relationships to food. The present study will consider how childhood experiences relate to adulthood relationships to food which may have applied implications for food adult health and wellness.