Mothers of obese children feeding experiences and feelings: relationship between two generations

Author(s)

Ana Paula do Vale Bechara

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP/CIR)
• Defense date: 2015-09-03

Examining board members

Maria da Penha Costa Vasconcellos; Marle dos Santos Alvarenga; Rosa Wanda Diez Garcia; Patricia Vieira Spada

• Advisor: Maria da Penha Costa Vasconcellos

Abstract

The obesity, or the obese body, is a condition that is affecting adults and children, analysis of this reality deserve to be investigated from the emotions perspective. Its known that feeding is a complex phenomenon, with multiple determinants. About the psychological factors, its known that theyre linked to the maternal figure and changes in the children development related to this are one of the etiological factors of eating problems such as obesity. This study aimed to understand the mothers of obese children feeding experiences, with their own mothers, and how this relationship can influence the feeding care with their children. The research is qualitative, using the comprehensive interview as empirical approach. Twelve mothers of children or teenagers, diagnosed with obesity, were interviewed. It was observed that food, at the context of contemporary life, brings the paradox of the excess objects available for consumption, new products all the time on the market, accompanied by shallow relationships and lack of ties. Obesity raises the question of emptiness and food as a filler object. This research pointed to the existence of identity processes between mothers and obese children, involving unresolved mothers issues projected in their relationships with their children, mediated by the feeding practice. Other factors such as socio-cultural and gender beliefs were also influencing maternal feeding behaviors with their children. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/09132-7 - Influence of mothers' food experiences and feelings on the nutritional health of obese children: relationship between two generations
• Grantee: Ana Paula Do Vale Bechara
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master