Development of Appetite Self-Regulation: Integrating Perspectives From Attachment and Family Systems Theory

Appetite self-regulation develops rapidly during the first 2 years of life, with implications for weight-related health and well-being over the life span. Attachment theory suggests that interpersonal interactions between caregivers and children are part of the biobehavioral system designed to promote the development of self-regulation. However, parent-child dyads are embedded within the family system, which also influences individual differences in appetite self-regulation. In this review, we synthesize research on appetite self-regulation from the perspectives of attachment and family systems theories to identify strengths and limits in how we understand the development of appetite self-regulation. We propose an integrative theoretical framework in which familial and dyadic factors influence appetite self-regulation directly and indirectly via modifications to the quality of parent-child interactions during infancy and early childhood. Finally, we identify avenues for research to test pathways of risk, resilience, and well-being toward optimal appetite self-regulation and weight outcomes.