A qualitative study exploring how mothers manage their teenage children's diets

Abstract

Research indicates that an unhealthy diet is a risk factor for the development of a range of chronic conditions, including obesity, cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease. Dietary habits formed in childhood persist into adulthood. Previous research on dietary habits has focused on families with young children. This qualitative study extends the literature by exploring how mothers manage their teenage children's diets. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with l5 British mothers who had at least one child aged 13–16 years. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five themes emerged: achieving gold standard, coping with obstacles, using strategies, resolving conflict and support. The participants were determined to achieve the gold standard (of nutrition) for their children and used a range of strategies to implement it. Mothers developed ways to cope with obstacles that undermined the gold standard. They were keen to resolve conflicts that were generated in the process. Some mothers received a degree of support in achieving the gold standard. The mothers felt that the strong presence of fast food and confectionary in the external environment was the biggest threat to the maintenance of their children's healthy eating. Participants were highly motivated to achieve the gold standard, as it was central to the notion of being a good mother. Being a good mother was a vital component of their self-identity.

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