Abstract
AbstractSeafood in the adolescent diet has many benefits, yet a number of adolescents do not consume the recommended levels. Despite this the consumption of seafood by younger consumers has received scant attention in the extant literature. Previous studies on adolescents’ food‐related behaviour tend to focus on general choice mechanisms or perceptions of food and mainly relate to fruit and vegetable intake. The present study seeks to address this gap through investigating the impact of family upon the consumption of seafood by younger consumers through exploring adolescents’ attitudes and behaviour in regard to eating seafood. Utilizing an exploratory qualitative methodology, seven focus groups of adolescents aged 13–19 years were conducted at two schools in South West England. Discussions covered a range of issues related to adolescent seafood consumption. The use of thematic content analysis found that the family, and parents in particular, exert high levels of influence over adolescents’ consumption of seafood both at home and when dining out. The parent who does the shopping and cooking has the greatest role. Sibling preferences and dietary choices also influence whether seafood is served in the home. Of value to researchers and management are the insights gleaned into the influences on adolescents’ attitudes towards and behaviour in regard to eating seafood. In particular, encouraging seafood consumption will rely upon interventions aimed at both parents and children and need to take into account adolescents’ diet and lifestyle preferences, while also acknowledging the influence of peers and the school food environment.
Highlights
In recent times, the importance of the social environment on children's and adolescents’ food choices and eating patterns has been recognized (e.g., Adamo & Brett, 2014; Larsen et al, 2015)
Past research highlights that a variety of family factors influence the eating behaviours and attitudes of children and adolescents (Larsen et al, 2015; Nicklas et al, 2001)
The findings indicate that family exerts high levels of influence over seafood consumption of adolescents at home and when dining out
Summary
The importance of the social environment on children's and adolescents’ food choices and eating patterns has been recognized (e.g., Adamo & Brett, 2014; Larsen et al, 2015). . | 500 bs_bs_banner (Adamo & Brett, 2014), and given eating behaviours initiated in childhood are likely to continue into adulthood (De Backer, 2013; Branen & Fletcher, 1999), it is important to instil healthy and nutritious consumption habits from a young age. While it may be “easier” to do this in younger children when parental influence is greater, it is important to recognize the determinants of food choice for adolescents as they become more autonomous, move away from parental influence, and increasingly make decisions around their own nutrition (Lipsky et al, 2015; Story et al, 2002)
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