Full Citation

Title: Correlations Between Family Meals and Psychosocial Well-being Among Adolescents

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2004

ISBN:

ISSN: 1072-4710

DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.158.8.792

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: <h3>Objective</h3><p>To determine the association between frequency of family meals and multiple indicators of adolescent health and well-being (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use; academic performance; self-esteem; depressive symptoms; and suicide involvement) after controlling for family connectedness.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Data come from a 1998-1999 school-based survey of 4746 adolescents from ethnically and socioeconomically diverse communities in the Minneapolis/St Paul, Minn, metropolitan area. Logistic regression, controlling for family connectedness and sociodemographic variables, was used to identify relationships between family meals and adolescent health behaviors.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Approximately one quarter (26.8%) of respondents ate 7 or more family meals in the past week, and approximately one quarter (23.1%) ate family meals 2 times or less. Frequency of family meals was inversely associated with tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use; low grade point average; depressive symptoms; and suicide involvement after controlling for family connectedness (odds ratios, 0.76-0.93).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Findings suggest that eating family meals may enhance the health and well-being of adolescents. Public education on the benefits of family mealtime is recommended.</p>

Url: http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/archpedi.158.8.792

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Authors: Eisenberg, Marla E; Olson, Maren E.; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne; Story, Mary T; Bearinger, Linda H

Periodical (Full): Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Issue: 8

Volume: 158

Pages: 792

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