Correlation Between Parental Eating Behavior and Picky Eating Behavior

Study in Children Aged 5–6 Years at RA Raudhatul Huda Mojokerto

Abstract

Picky eating behavior among preschool-aged children is a critical nutritional concern that can lead to micronutrient deficiencies and stunting. Parental eating behavior plays a fundamental role in shaping children's eating habits through parental modeling. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between parental eating behavior and picky eating behavior in children aged 5–6 years at RA Raudhatul Huda, Mojokerto Regency. A quantitative correlational design with a cross-sectional approach was conducted. The study population comprised 49 children, from which a sample of 35 respondents was selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using structured demographic questionnaires and the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) completed by mothers, then analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The results demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between parental eating behavior and child picky eating behavior (p = 0.032 < 0.05), with a weak positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.364). Although parental eating behavior contributes to children's food habits via modeling, the weak correlation indicates that in children aged 5–6 years, eating behavior becomes increasingly influenced by complex biological, psychological, and social environmental factors. Picky eating behavior in preschool children is a multidimensional outcome resulting from interactions between child temperaments, parental feeding practices, and social development.