Defining Perceptions of Picky Eating Obtained through Focus Groups and Conjoint Analysis

Abstract

AbstractPicky eating is a challenging mealtime behavior prevalent during the toddler years. An operational definition of picky eating does not exist in the scientific literature, which makes it difficult to consistently quantify the degree of picky eating. Yet, those who talk about picky eating, especially mothers, “know it when they see it, or when it is described.” This study used focus groups and conjoint analysis in a novel approach to investigate the perceptions of picky eating.Four categories were developed from three focus groups (N = 19): “before mealtime behaviors,” “during mealtime behaviors,” “general mealtime preferences” and “food sensory‐dependent preferences.” The focus groups were followed by a conjoint analysis study which revealed four segments: “The Sensory Dependent” (n = 72), “The General Perfectionists” (n = 159), “The Behavioral Responders” (n = 54) and “The Preferential Eaters” (n = 74). The segments differed in the specific elements driving the description of a child considered a picky eater. The study develops a classification method to define picky eaters, and suggests innovative interventions for each of the four segments of picky eating.Practical ApplicationsThe findings from this study demonstrate that picky eating is neither defined nor experienced in the same way by every parent. Parents believe that picky eating is not only defined by the food the child eats, but also by the child's overall behaviors and attitudes toward mealtime. The participants of the focus group study provided unique detailed experiences and perceptions that may not be captured by quantitative surveys or food diary assessments. The information from combined focus group and conjoint analysis in this study categorize characteristics of picky eating and define and segment how people perceive picky eaters. Results can be further used for novel approaches to remedy mealtime difficulties resulting from picky eating behaviors.