“Monkey see, monkey do”: Peers' behaviors predict preschoolers' physical activity and dietary intake in childcare centers

Abstract

Preschoolers observe and imitate the behaviors of those who are similar to them. Therefore, peers may be important role models for preschoolers' dietary intake and physical activity in childcare centers. This study examined whether peers' behaviors predict change in preschoolers' dietary intake and physical activity in childcare centers over 9 months.A total of 238 preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) from 23 childcare centers in two Canadian provinces provided data at the beginning (October 2013 and 2014) and the end (June 2014 and 2015) of a 9-month period for this longitudinal study. Dietary intake was collected at lunch using weighed plate waste and digital photography on two consecutive weekdays. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers over five days. Multilevel linear regressions were used to estimate the influence of peers' behaviors on preschoolers' change in dietary intake and physical activity over 9 months.Results showed that preschoolers whose dietary intake or physical activity level deviated the most from those of their peers at the beginning of the year demonstrated greater change in their intakes and activity levels over 9 months (all p values<0.05), which enabled them to become more similar to their peers. This study suggests that preschoolers' dietary intake and physical activity may be influenced by the behaviors of their peers in childcare centers. Since peers could play an important role in promoting healthy eating behaviors and physical activity in childcare centers, future studies should test interventions based on positive role modeling by children.4

A review of early influences on physical activity and sedentary behaviors of preschool‐age children in high‐income countries

“…Sibling and peer PA and sedentary behaviors appear to be important influences on preschool‐aged children's PA and sedentary behaviors. Preschoolers observe and imitate the behaviors of those who are similar to them (Ward et al., ). Therefore, siblings and peers may be role models for preschoolers' PA. A study conducted in childcare centers in Canada found that peers influenced preschoolers’ PA over time (Ward et al., ).…”

“…Preschoolers observe and imitate the behaviors of those who are similar to them (Ward et al, 2017). Therefore, siblings and peers may be role models for preschoolers' PA. A study conducted in childcare centers in Canada found that peers influenced preschoolers' PA over time (Ward et al, 2017).…”

Effectiveness of the Healthy Start-Départ Santé approach on physical activity, healthy eating and fundamental movement skills of preschoolers attending childcare centres: a randomized controlled trial

“…Time spent in physical activity (PA), moderate-tovigorous PA (MVPA), light intensity PA (LPA) and sedentary time were measured based on predetermined validated thresholds for preschoolers [17]. Counts of less than 25 per 15 s represented sedentary time (which included nap time) [18], counts between 25 and 714 per 15 s represented LPA [17,18] while counts of 715 and above defined MVPA [19]. Non-wear time was defined as any period of 60 consecutive minutes where no counts were measured.…”

“…Non-wear time was defined as any period of 60 consecutive minutes where no counts were measured. To provide the most reliable data while maximizing sample size, it was determined that children had to have worn the accelerometer for a minimum of 2 h on at least 4 days to be included in the analyses [19]. To control for within and between participant wear time variations, accelerometer data were standardized to an 8-h period, [20] which represents the typical number of hours children in our study attended the ECC.…”

Influencers of children's vegetable liking—A look from a social and cultural perspective

“…After weaning, mothers (and in general parents/caregivers) are able to exert an important influence on children's vegetable preferences through the food choices provided, as well as the feeding practices, and the modeling effect that they exert on their own children (Benton, 2004;Kral & Faith, 2009;Nicklas et al, 2001). Other important influencers of children's eating habits are their siblings and peers (Lau, Quadrel, & Hartman, 1990;Pliner & Pelchat, 1986;Ward et al, 2017). Studies oriented to understanding the influence of siblings on children's eating habits have observed that older siblings are able to encourage children to eat during mealtimes, thus imitating a maternal behavior (Mosli et al, 2015).…”