Effect of parenting and family functioning on cognitive appraisal of mothers' food preparation

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate relationships between cognitive appraisal of food preparation by mothers with child-rearing and family relationships. Mothers of kindergarten-aged children in the Tokyo metropolitan area (N=857) responded to a survey comprising five scales: the Cognitive Appraisal Scale of Preparing Food, the Parenting Strain Index, the Resilience Scale in Parenting, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale, and a scale of support from the husband. Results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that the parenting stress in mothers was positively associated with the burden of food preparation and interest in food safety. Parenting resilience was also negatively associated with the burden of food preparation and positively associated with enjoyment of food preparation. Additionally, family functioning was positively associated with mothers' enjoyment in food preparation. It is concluded that improving the living environment of the mother including child-rearing and family relationships provided children with good eating habits. We hope that these results will lead to improvments in “Shoku-Iku” of children.