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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Exploring occupational therapy practice with children who are picky eaters and their families
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol.88(2), pp.105-115
2025
Abstract
Introduction:
Picky eating is a complex phenomenon, impacting family routines and relationships. Occupational therapists often work with picky eaters and their families, yet little is understood about the occupational therapy process and reasoning in this context. This study was guided by the following research question: How do Australian occupational therapists choose and deliver interventions for children with picky eating and their families?
Method:
This qualitative interpretive descriptive study used in-depth semi-structured online interviews with 10 Australian-based occupational therapists working with children who are picky eaters. Data was analysed inductively following a thematic analysis process, and emergent themes were identified.
Findings:
Participants indicated that they used a complex reasoning process, with ‘Tailoring Occupational Therapy for Picky Eating’ emerging as the central finding. Key factors underpinning these tailored interventions were finding the why; addressing the why; and practising within context.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to investigate occupational therapists’ reasoning processes when working with families impacted by picky eating. Occupational therapists described the complexity of picky eating, and the subsequent reasoning to find suitable interventions. Findings may guide occupational therapists’ clinical practice when working with children with picky eating and their families.
Details
- Title
- Exploring occupational therapy practice with children who are picky eaters and their families
- Authors
- Luca Holland (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyMichèle Verdonck (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational TherapyPamela Meredith (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational TherapyLaine Chilman (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Publication details
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol.88(2), pp.105-115
- Publisher
- Sage Publications Ltd.
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1177/03080226241284888
- ISSN
- 1477-6006; 0308-0226
- Copyright note
- © The Author(s) 2024. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
- Data Availability
- During the development, progress, and reporting of the submitted research, Patient and Public Involvement in the research was not included at any stage of the research.
- Grants
- Youth Engagement in Sustainability (YES) Research Initiative, 0980027715, Queensland Department of Environment and Science (Australia, Brisbane)
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health - Occupational Therapy; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991064597802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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