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Journal Article 1: Boles, R. E., Reiter-Purtill, J., & Zeller, M. H. (2013). Persistently obese youth: Interactions between parenting styles and feeding practices with child temperament. Clinical Pediatrics, 52, 1098–1106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922813497091

Abstract: Objective: To assess the interaction of parent and child characteristics with feeding practices and mealtime functioning. Design: Longitudinal, predictive study comparing baseline characteristics with follow-up assessments. Participants: The caregivers of 52 persistently obese youth and 32 nonoverweight comparison youth completed measurements of child temperament, parental feeding practices, parenting styles, and interactions during mealtimes. Results: Adolescents with persistent obesity were significantly more likely to be parented using problematic feeding practices when parents also reported difficult child temperaments. Additionally, adolescents with persistent obesity and difficult temperaments were significantly more likely to have lower levels of positive mealtime interactions. Conclusion: Persistently obese youth are at increased risk for problematic parental feeding practices and mealtime functioning, particularly when youth are described as having difficult temperaments. These results indicate that further investigations are needed to better understand the mechanisms linking parent and child characteristics with health-related behaviors for adolescents with obesity.

Journal Article 2: Stinehart, M. A., Scott, D. A., & Barfield, H. G. (2012). Reactive Attachment Disorder in adopted and foster children: Implications for mental health professionals. The Family Journal, 20, 355–360. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480712451229

Abstract: A disruption in the initial attachment formed between an infant and a primary caregiver often leads to some type of disordered or disorganized attachment. While research has been conducted on the etiology, symptoms, and effective forms of therapy regarding this disorder, much definitive information remains unknown or unclear. With the increasing use of foster care in America and the frequency of adoption, it is becoming obvious that more attention is needed in the area of how to best appropriately approach a diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder. This article will discuss current trends and implications for mental health professionals working in the field of foster care and adoption settings.