Assessing Factors that Influence Food Choices by Young Children

Abstract

The prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled in the last 30 years (National Center for Health Statistics, 2011). This is particularly problematic given that obesity is associated with increased health risks. In addition to the increased health risks associated with obesity, several researchers contend that food preferences learned early in life are likely to influence long-term patterns of dietary intake (e.g., Haire-Joshu, Kreutter, Hold, & Steger-May, 2004; Skinner, Carruth, Bounds, & Ziegler, 2002). Therefore, a preventive approach to obesity that focuses on factors that influence food choices by young children is warranted. The current series of experiments were conducted to (a) empirically identify young children's preference for healthier and less-healthy foods within and across five food groups, (b) assess the relative influence of quality, magnitude, and immediacy of food on choices made by young children, and (c) determine whether results of the assessment are differentially affected by dense and lean schedules of reinforcement.