Smart Phone Video Game Simulation of Parent-Child Interaction: Learning Skills for Effective Vegetable Parenting

T. Baranowski, T. O'Conner, S. Hughes, A. Beltran, J. Baranowksi, T. Nicklas, E. Sleddens, D. Thompson, A. Lu, R. Buday

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterProfessional

Abstract

Higher levels of vegetable intake have been associated with decreased risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, several cancers, and possibly obesity, but vegetable intake is generally low. Preference is an important determinant of vegetable intake, and food preferences are initiated early in life, but parents of preschoolers commonly report difficulties in getting their child to eat, or even taste, vegetables. What parents do to get their child to do something in a specific context (such as eating, homework, or chores) has been labeled “parenting practices.” Based on research on parenting practices (effective and ineffective) related to preschoolers’ vegetable consumption (hereinafter called vegetable parenting), a smart phone application (app) game prototype was developed to help parents of preschool children use effective vegetable parenting practices. This chapter presents the extensive formative research, describes the game app, and explains the behavioral science foundation.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSerious Games for Healthcare: Applications and Implications
EditorsS. Arnab, I. Dunwell, K. Debattista
PublisherHershey, PA: IGI Global
Pages247-264
ISBN (Print)9781466619036
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2013

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