title: Qualitative Analysis of Dietary Behaviors in Picture Book Fiction for 4- to 8-Year-Olds.
abstract: Picture books may facilitate parents' efforts to decrease pickiness and other undesirable food habits in children. This study conducted a content analysis of dietary behaviors and feeding strategies featured in fictional picture books compared with those discussed in the research literature.
  
  
  
  Several databases were searched for fictional picture books about dietary behavior, published between 2000 and 2016, accessible in the US, available in print format, and designated for 4- to 8-year-olds.
  
  
  
  Messages about dietary behavior in picture book fiction.
  
  
  
  Stories were systematically coded using holistic, data-driven, and evaluation coding methods. The final set of codes was examined for themes and patterns.
  
  
  
  Of the 104 books, 50% featured a specific eating behavior, 21% lifestyle/eating patterns, 20% food-related sensations and emotions, and 9% table manners.
  
  
  
  Books about dietary behaviors are abundant but the topic coverage is unbalanced. Problem behaviors portrayed in books overlap those discussed in the research literature. However, problem-solving strategies and actions do not align with those endorsed by nutrition professionals. Messages vary in their complexity (in terms of their plot and/or language), ranging from clear and direct to vague, sophisticated, unresolved, conflicting, or controversial. Recommendations for practitioners are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology, Allied Health and Human Services, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Electronic address: oksana.matvienko@uni.edu.
authors.forename: Oksana
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Matvienko
mesh_terms: D001877:Books; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009752:Nutritional Status; D002666:Psychology, Child
keywords: children; eating habits; pickiness; picture books