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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT04988854

Using Models' Facial Expressions to Enhance Healthy Eating Behaviour in Children

This study examined the effect of adults' facial expressions (FEs) whilst eating raw broccoli on children's acceptance and intake of a typically less preferred vegetable. Investigating others' FEs in isolation (e.g., without statements about food tastiness) will improve understanding of the role of FEs in modelling of eating and contribute to developing strategies to help children learn pleasure from nutritious foods. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesised that children's acceptance (willingness to try, and frequency of taste exposures) and intake of raw broccoli would be higher after exposure to models eating raw broccoli with positive FEs, compared to models consuming raw broccoli with neutral FEs, or a non-food control video.

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Key information

Conditions

Eating Behavior Behavior Behavior, Animal Feeding Behavior

Age range

4 year–6 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Aston University

Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom

About this study

Research has shown that seeing positive facial expressions towards food are effective for increasing children's desire to eat foods rated as disliked. However, the effect of adults' positive facial expressions whilst eating a raw vegetable on children's acceptance and consumption of nutritious foods that are less preferred (e.g., vegetables) remains to be established. This study examined the effect of unfamiliar adult models' facial expressions eating raw broccoli on children's acceptance and consumption of raw broccoli. Children aged 4-6-year-olds were randomised to watch a video of unfamiliar adult models eating raw broccoli with a positive or neutral facial expression, or a non-food control video. Children's acceptance (willingness to try and frequency of taste exposures) and consumption of raw broccoli was assessed. Data about parent and child characteristics was provided by parents.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Child must be aged 4-6-years old. Parent and child must be living in the UK.

Exclusion criteria

  • Children with food allergies, food intolerances, or medical conditions that affect eating behaviour were not eligible to take part.

Treatment and study plan

Facial expression video

Behavioral

Children are randomly allocated to one of three conditions: positive, neutral or no-food control, where they will watch either a positive, neutral, or no-food control video.

Primary outcomes

  1. Raw broccoli intake

    Time frame: 5 minutes

    Children's intake of raw broccoli (amount of grams consumed)

  2. Willingness to try raw broccoli

    Time frame: 5 minutes

    Children's willingness to try raw broccoli

  3. Frequency of taste exposures to raw broccoli

    Time frame: 5 minutes

    Children's number of oral taste exposures to raw broccoli

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Aston University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
Aug 4, 2021
Registry last updated
Aug 4, 2021

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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