Classifying and characterizing Chinese young adults reporting picky eating: A latent profile analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Nutrition Science
• Cross-cultural studies

Background:

• Picky eating (PE) is prevalent globally, impacting psychosocial well-being and dietary habits.
• Limited research exists on PE in non-Western populations, necessitating culturally relevant operationalization.
• Eating behaviors can be influenced by cultural contexts, making cross-cultural research essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate Western studies on PE profiles in a Chinese adult sample.
• To classify and characterize distinct picky eating profiles using latent profile analysis (LPA).
• To understand the unique characteristics of PE within a Chinese cultural context.

Main Methods:

• Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed on data from 1,068 Chinese young adults.
• The Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) was used to assess eating behaviors.
• A three-step approach examined predictors and differences across identified profiles.

Main Results:

• A four-profile solution was identified, including 'picky eating' (19.4%) and 'severe picky eating' (3.3%) profiles.
• Participants in both PE profiles reported higher eating disorder symptoms and psychological distress.
• Individuals in PE profiles exhibited lower food-related life satisfaction compared to others.

Conclusions:

• Characterizing PE profiles in Chinese young adults is crucial for understanding culturally specific eating behaviors.
• Findings have implications for developing targeted diagnostic tools and interventions for PE in China.
• The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive approaches to address picky eating.