Abstract

The aim of this study was to validate the Parental Style Scale and to assess a possible association between parenting styles and sociodemographic factors with childhood overweight and obesity in students of municipal educational establishments. The sample was composed of 217 children between 4 and 7 years old in schools in Chillan, Chile, and their caregivers. The instruments included the Parental Style Scale and a demographic questionnaire. The Parental Style Scale was validated and constructs used in a linear model to determine the relationship between the parental style and child BMI z-score. A logistic model was used to determine the relationship between parenting style and the probability of going from a normal nutritional state to one with overweight. It was found that high levels of parental affection were associated with overweight and obesity in children. From the sociodemographic variables evaluated, only the primary education level of parents was associated with overweight and obesity in the child. The implications for professional intervention with families are discussed.