Improving dietary habits of children: effects of nutrition education and correspondence training.
Evidence that a significant number of children are exposed to risk factors associated with coronary heart disease has prompted health care professionals to develop programs designed to encourage the early development of a healthy life style. The present study used a multiple baseline approach to examine the effects of two procedures on the snack selection behavior of 25 third grade children. In children who selected non-nutritious rather than nutritious snacks for more than 40% of the baseline observations, nutrition education alone had little or no impact on their selection of snacks. However, with the implementation of correspondence training, in which a reward was made contingent upon carrying out a stated intent to choose a nutritious snack, the children consistently chose nutritious snacks. These results indicate that correspondence training may be an efficient and cost-effective way to improve dietary habits of young people.
Friedman
A G
AG
Department of Psychology, State University of New York, Binghamton 13901.
Greene
P G
PG
Stokes
T
T
D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009753:Nutritive Value
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats