Why Don't You Like That? Examining the Relationship Between Adult Eating Habits, Sensory Preferences, Thinking Patterns, and Age
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Abstract
Picky eating is a common behaviour among adults, yet the existing literature focuses primarily on children. Thus, little is known about the mechanisms behind picky eating in an adult population. This study investigated how sensory sensitivity and intuitive eating are related to
picky eating among adults without prior diagnosis of an eating disorder. Participants (N = 142; 81.7% female) were recruited via university communication systems to anonymously complete an online survey. The survey included measures of picky eating (Adult Picky Eating Questionnaire), sensory sensitivity (Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire), intuitive eating (Intuitive Eating Scale 2), stress and anxiety (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale). Positive correlations were identified between picky eating and sensory sensitivity, anxiety, and stress, but not intuitive
eating. Follow-up regression analysis revealed that when sensory sensitivity was included in the model other related factors (stress and anxiety) were unable to account for any additional variance in picky eating behaviour. This key finding suggests that sensory sensitivity is a primary
factor in the presence and severity of picky eating behaviours among adults. These findings did not significantly differ between groups based on biological sex, age, ethnicity, or time lived in Canada which suggests that picky eating in adulthood is not restricted to a single population. This study expands our understanding of adult picky eating behaviour and makes suggestions for future research.
Description
Keywords
picky eating, adult population, sensory sensitivity, anxiety, stress
Citation
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Department
Psychology
Program
Honours