Picky Eating as a Degree instead of Binary Choice

Abstract

Identify various picky eating behaviors determined by why instead of binary choice. There is currently no universal definition for picky eating. Therefore, the term picky eating covers a wide array of behaviors. Currently, the choice is binary when, in fact, it may be multifaceted. The purpose of this study is to develop a spectrum of picky eating determined by degree rather than binary choice. The researchers used a why instead of what approach to identifying picky eating categories and themes among individuals. These include: cultural, textural, neophobia, non-adventurous, fussy eating, self-fulfilling prophecy, general perfectionist, taste sensitive, olfactory, visual displeasure, medical, physical sensitivities, appetite driven, luxury, routine, memory aversion, food group, food color, knowledge, dietary preference, current trend, and belief system. Exploratory Factor Analysis was utilized on pilot data (N = 117) and items loaded on three factors. The first factor accounts for 24.752% of the variance in the data and had an eigenvalue of 5.69. Factor two accounted for 9.636% of variance and factor three for 6.854% of the variance with eigenvalues of 2.216 and 1.576, respectively. Only one item did not load on any factor, affordability. This suggests that affordability is not an indicator of picky eating as measured within the current instrument. Our results indicate that the picky eating spectrum identifies various behaviors of picky eating that could lead to targeted interventions and potentially reduce parental frustration and picky eating. There is a long-term impact of picky eating on life-long dietary patterns and chronic health conditions. Targeted interventions could positively impact overall health and wellness.