Abstract

The objective of this qualitative study was to explore, through a responsive caregiving lens, young adults’ childhood memories about food and physical activity and their perceptions about how these memories have influenced their current lifestyle behaviors and hopes for the future development of these behaviors for their own children. Using a rigorous qualitative description methodology, fifteen participants for the in-depth interviews were recruited from among students, 19 years of age or older, attending a university in Atlantic Canada. Four main themes were identified as childhood memories of food and eating, childhood memories of physical activity, current health behaviors, and hopes for their children’s health behaviors. Four sub-themes each were identified with memories of food and eating and with physical activity. Engagement with family and positive experiences were identified as supportive of positive health behaviors, as opposed to memories of pressure and negative experiences. Most participants noted efforts to adapt or improve their eating and physical activity while a few continued to be challenged with cautious eating and/or disdain for physical activity. The memories also contributed toward hopes for their children regarding eating and physical activity. It is suggested that universities offer a variety of economical options for nutritious foods, physical activity, and lifestyle counseling. This will benefit students during their studies and contribute toward positive caregiving styles for the next generations.