A longitudinal analysis of the association between maternal overprotection and children's physical health

Abstract

In recent decades rates of child overweight and obesity have increased, while children have become less active and more sedentary. Over the same period, parents have become increasingly concerned for children’s safety and independent mobility, even though the risks of harmful events (e.g. abductions) have not changed. Some have argued that a trend towards overprotective parenting, and subsequent restrictions on children’s independent mobility, may be linked to declines in children’s physical health, but there is limited research available supporting these claims. Using data from 2,600 families participating in Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, this study aimed to establish if any relationship exists between maternal overprotection and children’s health. Longitudinal models were fitted to assess changes in physical health across the ages of 4-5 years to 8-9 years according to level of maternal overprotection, whilst controlling for a range of socio-demographic characteristics. Results showed no initial differences in overall health by maternal overprotection when children were aged 4-5 years. However as children became older, the health of children with higher levels of maternal overprotection declined over time relative to children with low maternal overprotection, though this was mediated by the relationship between demographic characteristics and physical health. These results provide evidence of a link between maternal overprotection and poorer physical health outcomes for children, however further research is required to understand the mechanisms linking maternal overprotection to physical health and obesity.