Early childhood executive control modulates negative affectivity's role in increasing adolescent body mass index trajectories

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundExecutive control and temperament have been associated with pediatric obesity. However, interactions between these constructs in relation to future weight outcomes have not been investigated.ObjectiveThis longitudinal study examined early childhood executive control, early temperament (negative affectivity and surgency), and their interactions as predictors of adolescent BMI trajectories.MethodsAt age 5.25, children (N = 229) completed executive control tasks, and parents completed the Child Behavior Questionnaire to assess temperament. BMI was calculated annually between ages 14–17.ResultsGreater early negative affectivity predicted more positive BMI growth. Although early childhood executive control was not associated with BMI growth, greater negative affectivity predicted greater BMI escalation at average and below average executive control abilities.ConclusionsFor children without robust executive control abilities early in development, negative affectivity may be a risk factor for accelerated adolescent BMI growth. Targeted assessment of early risk factors may be useful for childhood obesity prevention efforts.