Fathers’ food parenting: A scoping review of the literature from 1990–2019

Background While food parenting is a robust area of inquiry, studies have largely focused on mothers. Given the diversity of family structures today and increases in fathers' engagement in caregiving, fathers' food parenting warrants attention. Objective We present a scoping review of research on fathers' food parenting (1990-2019). Eligible studies included peer-reviewed research published in English documenting fathers' food parenting and presenting results for fathers separate from mothers. Results Seventy-seven eligible studies were identified. Most studies were based in the U.S (63.6%) and utilized a cross-sectional design (93.5%). Approximately half of studies used a validated measure of food parenting (54.5%) and slightly less than 30% utilized theory (28.6%). Many studies did not report information on fathers' residential status (37.7%) or their relationship to the target child (biological vs social) (63.6%). Content analysis of study findings showed that: fathers are involved in food parenting, but at lower levels than mothers; there are few consistent mother-father differences in food parenting practices; and fathers' controlling food parenting is linked with negative nutrition outcomes in children while responsive food parenting is linked with positive child outcomes. Conclusion To better inform family interventions to prevent childhood obesity, future food parenting research with fathers should recognize the diversity of family structures and utilize prospective, theory-based, designs.