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Family meals and behavioral development: The role of feeding strategies and mealtime emotional climate.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: = .56). These findings suggest that structured mealtime schedules, combined with warm, positive family interactions, may foster emotional security and support behavioral regulation in early childhood. Given the scarcity of observational studies on home mealtime environments, this study provides valuable insights into how family meals influence child behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Journal of Family Psychology

DOI: 10.1037/fam0001430

Authors: Bharathi J. Zvara, Lauren Altenburger, Sarah A. Keim, Rebecca Andridge, Sarah E. Anderson

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Pennsylvania State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Ohio State University

Language: English

Topic: Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases