THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SWEET FOOD CONSUMPTION AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Published:
2026-08-24Downloads
Abstract
Preschool age is a sensitive period in which the ability to regulate emotion begins to take shape, while at the same time the consumption of sweet foods and sugar-sweetened beverages among Indonesian children remains high. This study aims to examine the relationship between sweet food consumption and emotional regulation in preschool children. The study used a qualitative descriptive design in the form of a narrative literature review. Eleven primary articles published within the last eight years were retrieved from Medscape, NCBI, and Google Scholar, and were complemented by national survey reports and institutional guidelines. The articles were selected using inclusion criteria, extracted into a synthesis matrix, and analysed thematically. The review indicates a consistent relationship between the two variables: frequent and excessive intake of added sugar is associated with blood glucose fluctuation, altered dopaminergic response, impulsivity, difficulty in maintaining attention, tantrums, and emotional lability, whereas controlled intake accompanied by responsive parenting supports better emotional regulation. Family feeding practices, the school environment, and health education act as contextual factors that strengthen or weaken this relationship. Parents, teachers, and health workers are therefore advised to manage children's sugar intake while providing emotional guidance. Longitudinal designs are recommended for further studies.
Keywords:
added sugar emotional regulation literature review preschool children sweet food consumptionReferences
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