Family matters: Exploring the intergenerational transmission of the unhealthy = tasty intuition

Children often consume not enough vegetables, and the overall quality of their diet is concerning. This research investigates the intergenerational transmission of the Unhealthy = Tasty Intuition (UTI) from parents to children and its role in shaping children's vegetable consumption. In two studies involving both children and their parents, we test whether parental UTI beliefs predict their children's UTI beliefs. Our findings demonstrate a positive relationship between parental and child UTI beliefs, which, in turn, are negatively associated with children's vegetable consumption. In the second study, we explore which parental feeding practices can help explain the socialization of the UTI. Our research contributes to the understanding of how children's food beliefs and consumption are socialized. Recognizing the impact of the UTI on children's dietary consumption provides valuable insights for developing interventions and policies aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among children. By addressing the intergenerational transmission of the UTI, we can take significant steps toward mitigating childhood obesity and its associated health risks.