Fatores associados à formação do comportamento alimentar infantil: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

Abstract

Child eating behavior is developed during the first years of life and is influenced by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. In this context, parenting practices and the family environment play a fundamental role in shaping children’s eating patterns. The present study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the formation of child eating behavior. This is an integrative literature review conducted using the SciELO, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases, employing descriptors related to child feeding, eating behavior, complementary feeding, and family relationships. Original articles published between 2021 and 2026, in Portuguese and English, were included. The final sample consisted of 10 studies addressing factors related to the development of child eating behavior. The analyzed studies showed that coercive feeding practices, pressure to eat, and unstructured food environments were associated with picky eating, difficulties in self-regulation of food intake, and inadequate eating patterns. In contrast, responsive parenting practices, shared family meals, and greater availability of fresh foods favored healthier eating behaviors. In addition, an association was observed between picky eating, food neophobia, and reduced dietary variety among children. It was concluded that child eating behavior is strongly influenced by parenting practices, family dynamics, and the food environment to which the child is exposed, highlighting the importance of promoting nutrition education strategies directed at families and caregivers from the first years of life.