Peer influence on the dietary habits of children and adolescents [Influência dos pares nos hábitos alimentares de crianças e adolescentes]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Poínhos, Rui (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Revista de Alimentacao Humana

Vol. 16

Pages: 19-30

ISSN: 0873-4364

Publisher: Sociedade Portuguesa de Ciencias da nutricao e Alimentacao

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-WZ8

Abstract (EN): Food choice is a process of high complexity, established by the combination of personal, biological, sociocultural and environmental factors. Peers have an important role in the psychosocial development of children since pre-school. A monographic study on the influence of peers on dietary habits of children and adolescents was carried out and the implications of research results to the design of interventions to promote healthy eating habits were analysed. The influence of peers in the dietary habits of children and adolescents occurs through various processes, among which we emphasize modeling attitudes and beliefs about food and the pressure and normative behaviors. This influence is revealed in the acceptance, preferences, selection and consumption of foods. It appears there are differences by gender and age group and the influence of peers seems to manifest itself differently on different foods. The potential of interventions to promote healthy eating habits in children and adolescents based on the larger group of peers seems not fully exploited. The various processes of influence are elements that can be used in these interventions.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific