A longitudinal examination of the role of sensory exploratory behaviors in young children's acceptance of new foods.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Prompted engagement with a new food's sensory properties (smell, texture) has been associated with young children's acceptance of new foods. However, little is known about the prevalence and stability of children's sensory exploratory behaviors exhibited spontaneously when trying new foods. The aim of this analysis was to examine developmental trajectories of sensory exploratory behaviors (i.e., smelling, licking, spitting) in response to new foods.

Method

This 3-year longitudinal study included observational data collected from 244 preschoolers. At age 4 years, children were asked to taste four novel foods. An experimenter recorded the child's displays of smelling, licking, spitting, refusals, and acceptance. Assessments were repeated at 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5 years of

SUBMITTER: Moding KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7153486 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature