The Nutritional Psychology of Childhood

The Nutritional Psychology of Childhood is a systematic account of research on the psychological aspects of nutrition in children from birth to adolescence. It deals with two major themes: the development of eating and the effects of malnutrition on the developing child. Robert Drewett discusses the developmental problems that arise with eating and food intake, including nursing and weaning in infancy, the handling of solids and the development of food choice and eating habits. Nutritional problems are considered in children born preterm or small for gestational age, or whose growth is poor, in children who are iron deficient or more generally malnourished, and in children with physical illnesses, including phenylketonuria and cerebral palsy. The development of eating disorders and obesity are also considered. Drawing on research from both developing and industrialised countries, this book will be of interest to students, researchers and professionals in psychology, nutrition and child health.

• A developmental framework enables easy access to material on different age groups • Contains extensive references to primary sources for further reading • Includes examples drawn from developing as well as industrialised countries, where much of the significant research has been carried out

1. Introduction; 2. The development of feeding behaviour: infancy; 3. The development of feeding behaviour: from weaning onwards; 4. Born too small or born too soon; 5. Nutritional deficiencies; 6. Nutritional aspects of some physical illnesses; 7. Failure to thrive; 8. Adiposity and obesity; 9. Adolescence and the eating disorders; 10. Some final thoughts.