Eating behavior in the context of institutional care

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the physical, emotional, and affective conditions that permeate the formation of eating behavior in foster care settings, as well as their implications for child development. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. The final sample consisted of 34 articles published between 2020 and 2025, selected from the SciELO, BVS, PubMed, and Capes Journals databases, in Portuguese and English, with full text available. A guiding question and DEC descriptors were used to conduct the bibliographic survey. Results: The results show that early institutionalization is frequently associated with significant anthropometric deficits, such as chronic malnutrition and "hidden hunger," exacerbated by the absence of individualized care and unhealthy environments. In the relational sphere, it was observed that mechanized feeding practices and the affective distance from caregivers impair the perception of hunger and satiety signals, in addition to hindering the formation of secure attachments. Conversely, interventions based on nutritional education and trauma-sensitive approaches have proven effective in restoring growth and socio-emotional well-being. Final considerations: It is concluded that ensuring the full development of children in foster care depends on a fundamental triad: a balanced diet, continuous technical training for professionals, and the establishment of responsive and affective interactions.