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Kind kids, healthy teens: Child prosociality and fruit and vegetable intake
Prosocial behaviors, characterized by kindness, care, and cooperation, are thought to influence health and well-being from childhood. However, research on their long-term health impacts is limited. This study analyzed data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (N=6,265) to investigate the relationship between childhood prosocial behaviors and fruit and vegetable consumption patterns in adolescence. Caregivers assessed children’s prosocial behaviors at ages 5, 7, and 11 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. In 2024, Poisson regression was employed to evaluate associations between prosocial behaviors at age five and sustained healthy fruit and vegetable intake (defined as consuming ≥2 portions of each daily) at ages 14 and 17. Adjustments were made for relevant confounders, and secondary analyses considered prosocial behaviors at ages 7 and 11. The findings indicated that increased engagement in prosocial behaviors at age five was linked to a higher likelihood of maintaining healthy fruit and vegetable consumption over time (adjusted prevalence ratio per 1 SD=1.14; 95% CI=1.02, 1.27). Similar associations were noted for prosocial behaviors at ages 7 (adjusted prevalence ratio per 1 SD=1.12; 95% CI=1.03, 1.23) and 11 (adjusted prevalence ratio per 1 SD=1.13; 95% CI=1.03, 1.24). Overall, the study concludes that fostering prosocial behaviors during childhood may serve as an effective intervention strategy to promote healthy eating habits.
Year: 2025
