Work

Effectiveness of a social cognitive theory and family system theory-based intervention in improving eating behaviors in preschool children

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Eating behaviors in early childhood are crucial for long-term health and weight management. Behavioral interventions grounded in social and family dynamics may play a pivotal role in improving these habits. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Family System Theory (FST)-based intervention in modifying eating behaviors in preschool children. An experimental study was conducted from September 2022 to July 2023 with 120 preschool children in Behbahan City, Iran. Participants were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method. The intervention was delivered to mothers over six educational sessions, focusing on parenting styles and behavior modification strategies. The Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) was administered at baseline, three months, and six months post-intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. In the intervention group, Satiety Responsiveness (SR) and Slowness in Eating (SE) scores increased by 0.60 and 0.14, respectively, while Desire to Drink (DD), Emotional Over-Eating (EOE), Enjoyment of Food (EF), and Food Responsiveness (FR) decreased by 2.20, 0.85, 0.22, and 0.56 points, respectively. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in SR, DD, and FR across time points (p < 0.05), suggesting a sustained effect of the intervention. A family-focused intervention integrating SCT and FST can effectively improve eating behaviors in preschool children by empowering mothers with behavioral and parenting strategies. These findings support the importance of early, structured interventions in preventing childhood obesity. A family-based SCT- and FST-driven intervention improved preschoolers’ eating behaviors. SR and SE increased, while DD, EOE, EF, and FR significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Parental involvement and behavioral reinforcement were key to intervention success. Findings support cost-effective, parent-centered strategies for childhood obesity prevention. Future research should assess the long-term effects of BMI and refine dietary interventions.

Source: The Italian Journal of Pediatrics/Italian journal of pediatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s13052-025-01967-z

Authors: Ghodratollah Shakerinejad, Seyedeh Leila Dehghani, Razieh Zolghadr, Zeynab Baboli, Elham Nejadsadeghi

Institutions: Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, University of Larestan

Language: English

Topic: Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,790