Development of novel tools to measure food neophobia in children

BackgroundThe main tool currently used to measure food neophobia (the Food Neophobia Scale, FNS, developed by Pliner & Hobden, 1992) may not remain optimal forever. It was developed around 25 years ago, and the perception and availability of “novel” and “ethnic” foods may have changed in the meantime. Consequently, there is a need for developing updated tools for measuring food neophobia.ObjectiveTo develop novel tools to measure food neophobia in children.DesignBased on a review of 13 designs to assess food neophobia and willingness to try unfamiliar foods, a Food Neophobia Test Tool (FNTT) was developed. A questionnaire including the FNS, a 19-item FNTT, items about willingness to taste novel foods in different surroundings and a behavioral test was administered to 235 children aged 9-13 years. Reliability and validity of the FNS and FNTT were assessed through calculations of Cronbach's alpha, item-item and item-rest correlations. Comprehension issues related to tools were evaluated based on qualitative observations and finally, behavioral validity was assessed.ResultsA considerable number of children indicated difficulties understanding certain items in the original FNS. FNTT could be reduced to a 6- and 9-item tool with high validity (item-rest coefficients, r = 0.60-0.80). Internal consistency of the FNTT (Cronbach α ≥ 0.90) was higher relative to the FNS (Cronbach α ≥ 0.72). Scores from the FNTT correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with results from the behavioral test confirming construct validity of the FNTT as a measure of neophobic behavior.ConclusionsResults from this study provide evidence for the FNTT as reliable and valid tool for measuring food neophobia in children aged 9-13 years. Moreover, when modified, the FNS continue to produce reliable and valid results.