Modifying Problematic Mealtime Interactions of Children with Cystic Fibrosis and Their Parents Via Behavioral Parent Training

Abstract

Implemented behavioral parent training targeting maladaptive mealtime behavior with two children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their parents. Treatment was implemented in multiple baseline fashion across the two families. Primary dependent measure was coding of parent and child behaviors from videotaped dinners. Data were also collected on the children's daily calorie intake and weight. During treatment and at the posttreatment follow-ups, parents' attention to disruptive behavior decreased, attention to appropriate eating increased, and parental control at meals increased. The children showed an increase in appropriate behavior and a decrease in disruptive behavior; caloric intake and weight also improved. Results are discussed in terms of the applicability of behavioral intervention with feeding problems in children with CF.

Parent Report of Mealtime Behavior and Parenting Stress in Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes and in Healthy Control Subjects

“…Our prior work indicates that such behaviors may be amenable to change via behavioral interventions (17,18). Specifically, helping families establish rules and consequences for meal duration and staying at the table may be needed.…”

“…In the only study to focus solely on preschoolers with type 1 diabetes, Wysocki et al (6) found that parents reported mealtime problems as some of the more challenging aspects of diabetes care (e.g., "My child leaves the table during meals" and "My child dawdles a long time before coming to the table"). As our prior work in cystic fibrosis has shown (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18), research examining the impact of nutrition management on families and young children with type 1 diabetes could serve to inform the development of behavioral interventions designed to make such disease-specific tasks more manageable for this understudied population.…”

Mealtime interactions in families of a child with cystic fibrosis: A meta-analysis

“…This study suggests this may be a promising area to address, especially because of the potential association with child weight status. Behavioral interventions have shown promise in decreasing child problematic eating and increasing parental control as well as improving weight and caloric intake in children [19][20][21]. In one such intervention called Be In Charge!…”

Behavioral Management of Feeding Disorders of Childhood

“…The most common example of extinction, in a feeding disorder treatment context, is to ignore undesired child behaviors such as refusals or tantrums [32,50]. Often, extinction techniques are difficult for parents to implement, and learning these techniques may require in vivo training for caregivers which might include modeling, behavior reversal, and practice to refine caregivers' skills and to provide emotional support during intervention.…”