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Ellis, Courtney A.

Nursing

2013

MS

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of fathers in the health promotion of their overweight or obese pre-adolescents. Additionally, this study explored how a father's role differed from that of the mother, and the role of the father through the lens of the mother. This study was a secondary analysis of a qualitative study examining health promotion by parents for their overweight or obese pre-adolescent children. Thematic analysis was used to conceptualize the role of the father. Results suggested fathers were more likely to role model physical activity than healthy eating behavior. Negative role modeling, such as unhealthy eating behavior, appeared to have a great effect on preadolescent behavior. Fathers tended to use permissive or controlling approaches to parenting, and were generally inconsistent in their health promotion strategies. In summary, fathers had a strong effect on the behavior of pre-adolescents, and should be involved in health promotion and obesity intervention. Mothers tended to perceive fathers as a barrier to promoting healthy behavior to their pre-adolescent. Most fathers and mothers differed in their approach to parenting, but had greater success when they both promoted healthy behavior. Consistency and role modeling appeared to be a significant aspect of fathers in health promotion for their overweight or obese pre-adolescents.