Repeated exposure

Definition

Repeated exposure refers to the process of presenting an individual with a specific food or flavor multiple times over a period. This approach is often used to help children become more accepting of new foods, addressing feeding challenges by gradually increasing familiarity and comfort with those foods. Through repeated exposure, individuals can reduce neophobia, or the fear of trying new foods, and potentially expand their dietary preferences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Repeated exposure is most effective when introduced in a low-pressure environment, allowing individuals to explore new foods without stress.
2. It may take several exposures—often ranging from 8 to 15 times—before a child may accept a new food.
3. Using positive reinforcement alongside repeated exposure can enhance the likelihood of acceptance, such as involving children in meal preparation.
4. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to model healthy eating behaviors as part of the repeated exposure strategy to promote acceptance in children.
5. The timing of exposures matters; offering new foods when individuals are hungry increases the chances of acceptance.

Review Questions

• How does repeated exposure influence children's acceptance of new foods?
  • Repeated exposure plays a crucial role in helping children accept new foods by gradually familiarizing them with different tastes and textures. When children encounter a specific food multiple times, they often become less resistant and more open to trying it. This method effectively reduces neophobia, enabling kids to expand their dietary preferences over time.
• Discuss how repeated exposure can be strategically implemented to overcome feeding challenges in children.
  • To effectively implement repeated exposure for overcoming feeding challenges, caregivers can introduce new foods during low-pressure situations, like family meals. It’s important to serve the same food multiple times without forcing the child to eat it. Additionally, involving children in food selection and preparation can make the experience more engaging and enjoyable, further enhancing their willingness to try new items.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of using repeated exposure on children's dietary habits and preferences.
  • Utilizing repeated exposure can lead to significant long-term benefits for children's dietary habits and preferences. By regularly introducing various foods in a supportive context, children are likely to develop a more diverse palate and greater willingness to try healthy options. Over time, this approach can reduce reliance on processed foods and encourage healthier eating patterns that persist into adulthood, shaping overall health outcomes.

Related terms

Neophobia: The fear of trying new foods or experiencing new flavors, which can hinder dietary variety.

Food Preferences: The established likes and dislikes of individuals regarding different foods, which can change with repeated exposure.

Sensory Specific Satiety: The phenomenon where the appeal of a specific food decreases after consuming it, making room for other flavors, which can be influenced by repeated exposure.