The Use of Electronic Games to Treat Food Selectivity of A Six-Year-Old Child: a Study Case

Abstract

Objective: To investigate if the use of electronic games can contribute to treat food selectivity of a six-year-old child, as of guidance provided to parents.   Theoretical Framework: Interventive psychodiagnosis and family dynamics analysis.   Method: Study case. Interviews, Child Behavior Checklist – 6 to 18 years old (CBCL),  The Home Environment Resources Scale, guidance to parents and two electronic games were used to manage food selectivity.    Results and Discussion: The results revealed behavioral change of parents and child regarding feeding and the child autonomy.  The electronic games allowed to gradually expose the child to the solid foods, as well as differentiate them from the adequate foods to younger children, which favored the interest of experimenting new foods.   Research Implications: The results can be applied or influence practices in the field of Psychology, Medicine, Education and Nutrition, encompassing assessment and intervention in the practice of professionals of the mentioned areas.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by using electronic games which can be created by the therapist and even the parents to manage food selectivity. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the positive results obtained, besides the innovative character of the use of new technologies to manage food selectivity.