Parental Eating in the Absence of Hunger and Child Eating Behaviors in Middle Childhood
Official title: Eating Together Study
Run by State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT07818382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how a parent's eating in the absence of hunger and food- parenting style relate to whether their child aged 5–11 also eats when not hungry.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | State University of New York at Buffalo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 8, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07818382 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are English-speaking parents or guardians aged 18+ with a child aged 5–11 who are primarily responsible for feeding the child at least half the time and who are willing to partake in a meal and snacks during the session.
✕Probably not a fit
Some families may not experience direct benefit if the child’s eating behavior is influenced by factors outside the study scope.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-visit study where parent-child dyads participate in a 2-hour session to explore the relationship between parental eating patterns, food parenting practices, and children’s eating in the absence of hunger (EAH). Researchers will use the EAH paradigm to observe associations between parental EAH, parenting style around food, and children's EAH. The study hypothesizes that higher parental EAH and more controlling food parenting will be linked to higher child EAH. Findings could clarify how family eating dynamics influence children's responses to food cues. Participation involves a meal and snacks provided during the session.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results may inform family-focused strategies to support healthier eating patterns in children.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research using similar EAH paradigms has shown meaningful associations between parental behaviors and child eating patterns, supporting further exploration in this area.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Parent/ guardian: * Age \> 18 years old. * Have a child between the ages of 5 - 11. * Must be responsible for feeding their eligible child at least 50% of the time. * Willing and able to eat the meal and snacks provided. * Fluent in English. Children: * If parent/ guardian is eligible and participating in the study. * Child is aged 5 - 11 years. * Child is not currently diagnosed with a clinical eating disorder (ED). * Willing and able to eat the meal and snacks provided. * Child is not on any medications or has any condition that could influence the child's taste, appetite, or olfactory sensory responsiveness. Exclusion Criteria: Parent/ guardian: * Age is \>18 years old. * Their child is determined ineligible (based on age). * Is responsible for feeding their eligible child \< 50% of the time. * Not fluent in English. * On medication that could influence their eating or feeding behaviors. * If the parent/ guardian is pregnant * Allergic or unable to eat the study food presented. * History of choking (without gagging). Children: * Their parent/ guardian is not eligible nor participating in the study. * Below the age of 5 and above the age of 11. * Current diagnosis of a clinical eating disorder (ED). * Allergic or unable to eat the study food presented. * Medications or conditions that could influence the child's taste, appetite, or olfactory sensory responsiveness. * History of choking (without gagging).
Where it's running
-
State University of New York at Buffalo (South Campus)
Buffalo, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine N Balantekin, PhD, RD — University at Buffalo
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.