Impact of Picky Eating on Level of Family Stress in Healthy Children between the Ages of 3 and 6 Years

Abstract

Abstract : Objective . One of the goals of this study was to measure the impact of a child ' s eating habits on a family ' s level of stress related to meal times in the home . Methods . A cross - sectional survey study was conducted on 1 , 090 children between the ages of three and six years , in Madrid , Spain from 2010 to 2011 . Questionnaires about the child ' s eating habits , family stress , and medical history , along with a three - day food record were filled out by parents . Results . Levels of family stress related to meal time occasions were statistically higher in the picky eater (PE) group compared to the healthy eater (HE) group (p=0 . 007) . Conclusion . This study demonstrates a possible relationship between picky eating behaviors and family stress in the home . Higher levels of family stress can have long - term negative behavioral consequences or changes on the family dynamic , which may further exacerbate feeding disorders .