The relationship between child-feeding problems and maternal mental health: a selective review

Objective: Research suggests that mothers of children with feeding problems (FP) experience significant stress and distress, and have elevated levels of psychopathology and dysfunctional interactions with their child. Method: Relevant literature was obtained from a search of key texts, journals and databases. Theoretical and empirical papers which examined maternal psychopathology in the context of child FP or which might inform our understanding of the interaction between the two presentations were selected. Results: The literature suggests that a uni- or bi-directional model is not sufficient to explain the relationship between maternal psychopathology and FP. Attachment theory offers a framework within which to understand the complexities of the relationship between child FP and maternal psychopathology but a range of child-related, social and environmental factors also need to be considered. Discussion: Detailed multidimensional formulations and interventions may be needed to enhance our understanding of and to achieve long-term change in dyads with co-morbid child-feeding and maternal mental health problems.