Citation

Chilton M, Knowles M, Bloom SL. J. Hunger Environ. Nutr. 2017; 12(2): 269-297.

Affiliation

Department of Health Management and Policy, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/19320248.2016.1146195

PMID

28503244

PMCID

PMC5399810

Abstract

Household food insecurity is linked with exposure to violence and adversity throughout the life course, suggesting its transfer across generations. Using grounded theory, we analyzed semistructured interviews with 31 mothers reporting household food insecurity where participants described major life events and social relationships. Through the lens of multigenerational interactions, 4 themes emerged: (1) hunger and violence across the generations, (2) disclosure to family and friends, (3) depression and problems with emotional management, and (4) breaking out of intergenerational patterns. After describing these themes and how they relate to reports of food insecurity, we identify opportunities for social services and policy intervention.

Language: en

Keywords

Food insecurity; childhood adversity; intergenerational disadvantage; life course