Examination of the relationship between food refusal and parenting styles in preschool children

This study was conducted as a descriptive and correlational research to examine the relationship between food refusal and parenting styles in preschool children. The research was carried out between September 2023 and September 2024 in four official preschool institutions affiliated with the Denizli Provincial Directorate of National Education. The sample consisted of children aged 3 to 6 years who regularly attended school during the research period and their parents. A convenience sampling method was used to determine the sample. Data were collected using the "Child Information Form," "Parent Information Form," "Child Food Refusal Scale (ÇBRÖ)," and "Parenting Style Scale (ETÖ)." The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis via the SPSS program. According to the findings, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between democratic parenting style and picky eating behavior in children (r = 0.133; p < 0.001), while authoritarian (r = –0.092; p = 0.014) and overprotective parenting styles (r = –0.154; p < 0.001) showed significant negative correlations. Additionally, variables such as parental education level, occupation, income, and the primary caregiver of the child were found to have a significant impact on parenting styles. The results of the study indicate that parenting styles can directly influence children's eating behaviors, and in particular, the democratic parenting approach may support the development of healthy eating habits.