This study evaluated the effectiveness of an SCT- and FST-based intervention in modifying eating behaviors among preschool children. The findings indicate that SR and SE scores increased by 0.60 and 0.14 over the six-month follow-up period, respectively, while DD, EOE, EF, and FR scores declined by 2.20, 0.85, 0.22, and 0.56, respectively. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between groups and across time in SR, DD, and FR (p < 0.05), suggesting a sustained effect of the intervention.

The importance of addressing eating behaviors in childhood

Recognizing the pivotal role of eating behaviors in childhood obesity prevention, researchers and policymakers emphasize the need to target dietary composition and behavioral patterns that shape long-term health outcomes [27]. While many obesity prevention strategies focus on what children eat, emerging evidence underscores the importance of how they eat [28, 29]. The preschool years represent a critical window for instilling lifelong healthy eating behaviors, as attitudes and habits formed during this period can persist into adulthood [3].

Impact of SR, SE, DD, EOE, EF, and FR on childhood obesity

SR enables children to regulate food intake based on satiety cues, reducing the risk of overeating [30]. SE further enhances satiety recognition by allowing more time for physiological signals of fullness to manifest, promoting healthy portion control and weight management [31]. Reducing DD mitigates excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened and high-calorie beverages, leading to improved energy balance and weight regulation [32]. EOE, characterized by eating in response to emotional distress, is a well-documented contributor to poor dietary habits and obesity; its reduction is linked to healthier eating patterns and improved weight control [33]. EF, or eating for pleasure rather than physiological hunger, can lead to overconsumption, making its regulation a critical component of obesity prevention [34]. Similarly, FR, which reflects a child’s responsiveness to external food cues, is strongly associated with increased caloric intake and the development of unhealthy eating behaviors [35]. Given these associations, effective obesity prevention strategies should increase SR and SE while decreasing DD, EOE, EF, and FR to foster healthier eating behaviors in children.

Theoretical justification: SCT and FST in behavioral modification

Behavioral modification is necessary and achievable through structured educational interventions [26]. Applying theory-driven approaches in designing interventions enhances their effectiveness by identifying and targeting key behavioral determinants [36]. SCT, widely recognized for its ability to predict and explain nutritional behaviors in children [37], provides a structured framework for understanding why and how behaviors develop and offer actionable modification strategies [26]. FST-based interventions focusing on the family unit have successfully promoted preventive health behaviors, particularly those related to obesity prevention [16]. Previous studies highlight the efficacy of parenting skill-based interventions in mitigating obesity risk in preschool children [18]. The present study, therefore, integrates SCT and FST to enhance eating behavior modification strategies in early childhood.

Parental influence on children’s eating behaviors

The home environment and parental influence play a defining role in shaping a child’s dietary habits and weight status. Parents function as gatekeepers, regulating food availability and establishing norms influencing long-term eating behaviors [38]. The concept of family health climate, which reflects shared perceptions and attitudes toward health-related behaviors, provides insight into how parenting practices are shaped within the home environment [39, 40]. Educating parents on effective parenting strategies can empower them to cultivate a supportive environment that promotes sustainable behavior change [41].

Parenting styles encompass a range of strategies that influence the quantity, timing, and composition of children’s diets [40]. Gevers et al. identified several food-related parenting practices, including monitoring, encouragement, reward, and regulation, each shaping children’s dietary habits [42]. However, some parental feeding practices may inadvertently promote unhealthy behaviors. For example, using food as a reward or a means to regulate emotions is associated with increased emotional overeating in children, as demonstrated in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies [43]. Furthermore, maternal feeding styles significantly influence children’s dietary quality [44].

Interventions addressing both general parenting styles and food-specific parenting strategies have yielded positive outcomes on child weight status [45]. General parenting, which encompasses broad behavioral strategies beyond food-related practices, defines the emotional context in which children are raised and influences parent-child interactions, attitudes, and beliefs [40, 46]. Tung and Yeh demonstrated that authoritative parenting styles strengthened the impact of food monitoring, whereas authoritarian parenting had a less pronounced effect [47]. These findings underscore the need for integrating general parenting strategies into interventions targeting food-specific behaviors. By addressing both aspects, family-based interventions can optimize the effectiveness of behavioral modification strategies, equipping parents with the skills to foster healthy eating behaviors in their children.

Comparison with previous research

Due to the novelty of this study, direct comparisons with previous research are limited. However, the findings align with existing literature [48, 49]. Magarey et al. reported no significant differences in certain behavioral measures between intervention and control groups, consistent with the present study’s findings on EF [50]. Similarly, Ahmad et al. observed only modest changes in EF following an SCT-based intervention [40].

Numerous SCT-driven interventions targeting preschool-aged children have effectively modified eating behaviors and promoted healthier nutrition [18, 51]. The core constructs of SCT—including self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulation—are widely acknowledged as key predictors of health behaviors, particularly in dietary adherence. Among these, self-efficacy plays a central role in behavior change, as individuals with greater confidence in their ability to adhere to dietary recommendations are more likely to sustain behavior modifications over time. Additionally, self-efficacy indirectly influences other SCT constructs, reinforcing positive behavioral changes and increasing the likelihood of long-term dietary adherence [52].

Study limitations and recommendations for future research

Despite its novel approach, this study has limitations that should be acknowledged. The research was conducted within a specific geographic region with a relatively small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, paternal involvement was not considered, despite evidence suggesting that fathers play a critical role in shaping children’s dietary behaviors. Future studies should examine the impact of paternal engagement in educational interventions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of parental influence. Given the longitudinal nature of behavioral change, extended follow-up periods are recommended to evaluate the long-term sustainability of intervention effects. Further research should also focus on assessing the effectiveness of SCT- and FST-based interventions on broader health indicators and BMI, identifying determinants of effective parenting practices, and refining theoretical models that best explain the development of healthy eating behaviors in preschoolers.