Abstract
Given the overlap between mindfulness and food neophobia, the current study developed and tested a mindfulness-based intervention to decrease food neophobia in preschoolers. Preschoolers (ages 3–5) participated in 10 sessions of a mindfulness intervention group (n = 27) or a food-exposure control group (n = 25). Children were assessed pre- and post-test on their ability to explore and describe novel foods and toys, as well as their willingness to try novel foods. Children in the intervention group used more senses to explore and more words to describe novel foods and toys at posttest compared to pre-test. At post-test, the intervention group used more senses to explore foods and more words to describe toys than the control group. No differences regarding willingness to try novel foods at post-test were observed. However, the intervention group tried novel foods willingly during mindful eating exercises. This intervention was enjoyed by childcare providers and children alike. Given the barriers to encouraging children to eat healthfully, this study highlights the potential for teachers and other childcare providers to incorporate such an intervention into their classrooms to encourage healthy eating habits and improve child health.
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Dial, L.A., Emley, E., Koerten, H.R. et al. A Mindfulness Intervention for Food Neophobia Among Preschoolers. Early Childhood Educ J 48, 117–126 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-019-00962-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-019-00962-4