The study was conducted at TKIT Al-Rahbini Gondanglegi in Malang Regency and involved 25 preschool-aged children identified as having persistent picky eating behavior. Using a structured sensory play psychoeducation program, the researchers found a statistically significant decrease in children’s food refusal and sensory aversion. The findings matter because picky eating is often dismissed as a normal phase, even though it can undermine nutritional intake, learning readiness, and social development.
Why Picky Eating Is a Growing Concern
Picky eating refers to children’s strong resistance to certain foods based on texture, color, smell, or taste. While mild selectiveness is common, ongoing refusal of entire food groups can lead to nutritional deficiencies. In Indonesia, this issue intersects with broader public health challenges. National nutrition data show that stunting and malnutrition remain prevalent among children under five, reinforcing the need for early, preventive interventions that go beyond calorie intake.
Previous studies have shown that parenting style, limited food exposure, and children’s sensory sensitivity all contribute to picky eating. Many parents respond with pressure or coercion, which often worsens food aversion. The authors of this study argue that picky eating should be understood as a sensory and psychological issue rather than simple stubbornness.
According to the research team from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang, children frequently reject food because they feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar sensory input. Addressing the sensory experience first, they suggest, helps children develop comfort and curiosity toward food.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers used a quantitative, quasi-experimental design with a single group pretest–posttest approach. All 25 participating children were assessed before and after the intervention using a standardized picky eating behavior scale consisting of 35 indicators related to food refusal, emotional reactions, and willingness to try new foods.
The intervention itself took place over several structured sessions and followed a gradual, play-based process:
- Children first engaged in non-food sensory play, such as playing with sand, water, slime, and playdough, to build tolerance for different textures.
- They were then introduced to food visually and through smell, without any requirement to eat.
- Finally, children explored food through touch and were invited—voluntarily—to taste or lick food items.
Throughout the sessions, no pressure was applied. Children retained control over whether and how they interacted with food, creating a safe and positive environment.
Key Findings at a Glance
The results showed a clear and meaningful change in children’s eating behavior:
- The average picky eating score dropped from 49.16 before the intervention to 35.08 after, a decrease of 14.08 points.
- Statistical analysis confirmed the change was highly significant (p < 0.001).
- Children demonstrated reduced emotional distress during mealtimes and increased willingness to engage with new foods.
The researchers emphasized that the consistency of the score reduction indicates the intervention worked across most participants, not just a few outliers.
Why Sensory Play Works
The study explains that sensory play helps children process stimuli gradually and positively. By separating the sensory experience from the demand to eat, children learn that food is not a threat. Over time, this reduces anxiety and resistance.
The authors from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang ethically paraphrase that children’s acceptance of food improves when they are given autonomy and repeated exposure in a non-threatening context. This approach aligns with responsive feeding principles, which prioritize children’s cues and emotional readiness over external pressure.
Importantly, the intervention focuses on the process rather than immediate eating outcomes. Children are encouraged to explore, not to finish meals. This shift helps build a healthier long-term relationship with food.
Real-World Implications
The findings have practical implications for families, schools, and policymakers:
- For parents, sensory play psychoeducation offers a low-cost, home-based strategy that can replace coercive feeding practices.
- For early childhood educators, the approach can be integrated into classroom activities, supporting both nutrition and socio-emotional development.
- For public health programs, the method provides an evidence-based option for early intervention in nutrition and stunting prevention initiatives.
Because the activities rely on simple materials and play-based interaction, the model is adaptable to diverse socioeconomic settings.
0 Komentar