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Maternal and Child Health Journal
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 1/2009

01-01-2009

Food Security During Infancy: Implications for Attachment and Mental Proficiency in Toddlerhood

Authors: Martha Zaslow, Jacinta Bronte-Tinkew, Randolph Capps, Allison Horowitz, Kristin A. Moore, Debra Weinstein

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Objective This study examined the associations between household food security (access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food) during infancy and attachment and mental proficiency in toddlerhood. Methods Data from a longitudinal nationally representative sample of infants and toddlers (n = 8944) from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—9-month (2001–2002) and 24-month (2003–2004) surveys were used. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct and indirect associations between food insecurity at 9 months, and attachment and mental proficiency at 24 months. Results Food insecurity worked indirectly through depression and parenting practices to influence security of attachment and mental proficiency in toddlerhood. Conclusions Social policies that address the adequacy and predictability of food supplies in families with infants have the potential to affect parental depression and parenting behavior, and thereby attachment and cognitive development at very early ages.
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Metadata
Title
Food Security During Infancy: Implications for Attachment and Mental Proficiency in Toddlerhood
Authors
Martha Zaslow
Jacinta Bronte-Tinkew
Randolph Capps
Allison Horowitz
Kristin A. Moore
Debra Weinstein
Publication date
01-01-2009
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-008-0329-1

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