Abstract
OBJECTIVE. Systematic approaches are needed to help parents with young children adopt healthy routines. This study examined the feasibility (home data collection, protocol adherence, intervention acceptance) of using a behavioral activation (BA) approach to train parents of children with sensory food aversions.
METHOD. Parents of young children (18–36 mo) were trained using the novel Promoting Routines of Exploration and Play During Mealtime intervention. Measures included video-recorded meals, Fidelity Checklist, Treatment Acceptability Questionnaire, and Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale. Descriptive statistics were used.
RESULTS. Eleven children and their parents completed the study. Two of three feasibility benchmarks were met. Intervention acceptance was high (mean score = 43/48). On average, parents used three more intervention strategies after training than at baseline.
CONCLUSION. Using a BA approach to parent training shows promise for altering daily mealtime routines. Delivering this intervention in the home is feasible and received acceptable ratings among this sample.
