Author: Jacobi, C., Agar, W. S., Bryson, S., Hammer, L.D.
Source: Journal of Am. Acad. Child Adolescent Psychiatry, 42:1, January 2003, pages 76-84
The aim of this study was to look at parent reported picky eating behaviors using laboratory based measures and to identify both child and parent trends of picky eating. Parent reported picky eating was defined by a parent answering yes to the question, ?is your child a picky eater?? at 4 and 5 years of age. The authors used a 3 step procedure; 1) first, the relationship between behavioral measures of picky eating and parent reported picky eating was examined. 2), Second, the child and parental precursors of pickiness was looked at, and 3) lastly, associations between parental attitudes and behaviors as well as the child?s temperament were explored. Results suggested that picky eaters ate fewer foods and were more likely to avoid vegetables. Picky girls decreased their caloric intake between ages 3.5-5.5, whereas all other children increased their caloric intake. Picky eaters demonstrated a different sucking pattern with fewer sucks per feeding session as early as 2 and 4 weeks. Finally picky children displayed more negative behaviors than non-picky children did as reported by their parents. The author?s conclusion is that parent reported picky eating is related to a consistent pattern of inhibited and selective eating beginning in infancy.
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