scholarly journals Perceptual salience influences food choices independently of health and taste preferences

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Dai ◽  
Jeremy Cone ◽  
Jeff Moher
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Taste Preference ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Perceptual Salience ◽  
Choice Tests

Abstract Background Making decisions about food is a critical part of everyday life and a principal concern for a number of public health issues. Yet, the mechanisms involved in how people decide what to eat are not yet fully understood. Here, we examined the role of visual attention in healthy eating intentions and choices. We conducted two-alternative forced choice tests of competing food stimuli that paired healthy and unhealthy foods that varied in taste preference. We manipulated their perceptual salience such that, in some cases, one food item was more perceptually salient than the other. In addition, we manipulated the cognitive load and time pressure to test the generalizability of the salience effect. Results Manipulating salience had a powerful effect on choice in all situations; even when an unhealthy but tastier food was presented as an alternative, healthy food options were selected more often when they were perceptually salient. Moreover, in a second experiment, food choices on one trial impacted food choices on subsequent trials; when a participant chose the healthy option, they were more likely to choose a healthy option again on the next trial. Furthermore, robust effects of salience on food choice were observed across situations of high cognitive load and time pressure. Conclusions These results have implications both for understanding the mechanisms of food-related decision-making and for implementing interventions that might make it easier for people to make healthy eating choices.

scholarly journals Perseverative Cognition and Snack Choice: An Online Pilot Investigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Timothy M. Eschle ◽  
Dane McCarrick
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Perseverative Cognition ◽  
Pilot Investigation ◽  
Perseverative Thinking ◽  
Snack Consumption ◽  
Unhealthy Snacks

Perseverative cognition (PC), consisting of worry and rumination, has been consistently linked to a variety of poorer health outcomes, namely via the worsening of stress-induced health risk behaviours. However, research into PC and unhealthy food choice, a key health behaviour, still remains relatively unexplored. In the current pilot investigation, 284 participants were recruited to take part in an online food choice paradigm before completing the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) and the Brief State Rumination Inventory (BSRI). As a reduced availability of unhealthy snacks has been shown to improve snack choice, participants were randomly allocated to either an even condition (a 3:3 ratio of ≤99 kcal and ≥199 kcal snacks) or an uneven condition (a 4:2 ratio in favour of ≤99 kcal snacks). It was hypothesized that higher levels of PC may predict greater instances of poorer snack choices across, or even within, this paradigm. Despite an increase availability of lower calorie snacks leading to a healthier snack choice, both state and trait PC measures did not significantly influence snack choice irrespective of this varying availability. Although, marginal trends were found for higher state PC and higher calorie crisp selections. The current pilot therefore adds to the growing literature advocating for the use of behavioural economic tactics to engender healthier food choices, yet further work is needed to unpick the mediating role of PC (and its components) in snack consumption paradigms.

scholarly journals Beauty and the beast: gender differences in food-related behavior

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Velloso Missagia ◽  
Solange Riveli Oliveira ◽  
Daniel Carvalho Rezende
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Beauty And The Beast ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
And Gender

Among the decisions that consumers have to make there are food choices, including the decision to eat healthily. In this way, both motives for food choice and the behavior reported by consumers can describe how people relate to healthy food, particularly males and females, and what distinguishes them. Researching of a sample of 309 people, respondents were randomly selected in order to achieve balanced age and gender. Such individuals were recruited through an offline method that consisted of contact in supermarkets. Total sample size is constituted by 174 female and 135 male respondents. The results of the logistic regression analysis pointed that the main difference between genders is the way they interpret healthiness as a motive for food choice. While men find important that the products they eat keep them healthy, women consider more important the fact that they are nutritious. In addition, other motives and behaviors that distinguish men and women in respect of food choices and healthy eating were observed.DOI:10.5585/remark.v12i1.2441

scholarly journals The dynamics of self-control: within-participant modeling of binary food choices and underlying decision processes as a function of restrained eating

2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (7) ◽  
pp. 1777-1788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Georgii ◽  
Michael Schulte-Mecklenbeck ◽  
Anna Richard ◽  
Zoé Van Dyck ◽  
Jens Blechert
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Restrained Eating ◽  
Restrained Eaters ◽  
Process Measures ◽  
Common Assumption ◽  
Independent Replication ◽  
High Calorie

Abstract Successful self-control during food choice might require inhibition of impulses to avoid indulging in tempting but calorie-dense foods, and this might particularly apply to individuals restraining their food intake. Adopting a novel within-participant modeling approach, we tested 62 females during a mouse-tracking based binary food choice task. Subsequent ratings of foods on palatability, healthiness, and calorie density were modeled as predictors for both decision outcome (choice) and decision process (measures of self-control conflict) while considering the moderating role of restrained eating. Results revealed that individuals higher on restrained eating were less likely to choose more high-calorie foods and showed less self-control conflict when choosing healthier foods. The latter finding is in contrast with the common assumption of self-control as requiring effortful and conscious inhibition of temptation impulses. Interestingly, restrained eaters rated healthy and low-calorie foods as more palatable than individuals with lower restrained eating scores, both in the main experiment and an independent replication study, hinting at an automatic and rather effortless mechanism of self-control (palatability shift) that obviates effortful inhibition of temptation impulses.

scholarly journals Comparison of motives underlying food choice and barriers to healthy eating among low medium income consumers in Uruguay

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gastón Ares ◽  
Leandro Machín ◽  
Alejandra Girona ◽  
María Rosa Curutchet ◽  
Ana Giménez
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Main Determinant ◽  
Target Populations ◽  
Selection For

Abstract: Interventions aimed at changing dietary patterns should be designed based on the main motives underlying the food choices of specific target populations. The aim of the present study was to identify motives underlying food choice and barriers to healthy eating among consumers in two socioeconomic levels in Uruguay. Eleven focus groups were carried out with a total of 76 participants. Six of the groups involved low income participants and the others were conducted with middle income participants. Discussions were held around frequently consumed products, motives underlying food choices and barriers to healthy eating. Results confirmed the strong influence of income level on motives underlying food choice and barriers to the adoption of healthy eating. Low income participants described their choices as mainly driven by economic factors and satiety, whereas convenience was the main determinant of food selection for middle income participants. Implications for the design of public policies targeted at each group are discussed.

scholarly journals Role of Social Networks in Maternal Food Choice for Children Ages 1 to 5 Years Old in Rural Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 897-897
Author(s):  
Ligia Reyes ◽  
Edward Frongillo ◽  
Christine Blake ◽  
Spencer Moore ◽  
Wendy Gonzalez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Social Space ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Rural Mexico

Abstract Objectives To understand the role of mothers’ social networks in the food choices that mothers make for their children ages 1 to 5 years old in rural Mexico. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 46 participants from 3 rural communities between November and December 2016. The interviews inquired about participants’ child-feeding practices, personal and local beliefs about child feeding, and individuals with whom participants discussed food. All interviews were in Spanish, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, verified for quality, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results The networks that participants described in relation to food choice were largely interconnected and embedded within the social space of their communities. These networks were household family, non-household family, community, children's initial school, and health and pantry personnel. Participants described the functions of each network for the feeding of their children. These functions ranged from directly intervening on feeding behavior in the most proximal network, i.e., household family, to providing formal feeding and nutritional guidance in the most peripheral network, i.e., health and pantry personnel. Some networks had unique functions that no other network had, while some functions were shared across networks. Across the networks, professionals, participants’ mothers and mothers-in-law, community senior women, and other women with children emerged as trusted figures whom mothers would turn to for child-feeding advice. Participants were in constant interaction with their social networks and rarely turned to only one advisor. Participants expressed striking a balance between the input received, what they make of it, and eventually weighing their children's responses, resources available, and situations in which interactions occur and food choice is made for children. Conclusions Social networks have vital functions in establishing norms for food choices made for children. The multiplicity of child-feeding advisors may be especially important in strategies that seek to promote healthy food choices for children during developmental years to foster healthy eating patterns. Funding Sources SPARC Graduate Research Grant from University of South Carolina.

scholarly journals Subjective Sensations related to Food as Determinants of Snack Choice

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette Duerlund ◽  
Barbara Vad Andersen ◽  
Niki Alexi ◽  
Mei Peng ◽  
Derek Victor Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Visual Analogue Scale ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Analogue Scale ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
Physical Wellbeing ◽  
Unhealthy Snacks

Comprehending the complexity and determinants of food choices can help understand facets of the growing obesity epidemic. Focusing on consumers’ subjective sensations as determinants of food choices can provide essential insights into eating behaviors. We explored subjective sensations linked to appetite, desire, wellbeing and energy. This study aims to 1) quantify subjective temporal sensations, and 2) study the effects of these sensations on snack choice. Two-hundred and fifty-three participants (mean age 20.5) evaluated subjective sensations using a visual analogue scale. The choice of one of six snacks was offered to the participants; choices were recorded as implicit choice measures. The results demonstrated that especially sensory specific desire sensations (Salty, Fatty, Sweet desire) affected, either positively or negatively, snack choice. Furthermore, wellbeing sensations (Overall, Mental, Physical wellbeing) also showed significant effects for snack choice. Health-conscious females chose healthy snacks, and males chose unhealthy snacks. Importantly, this research indicates the relevance of subjective sensations in consumer studies that focus on diverse determinants of food choice. Sensory specific desires and wellbeing sensations were notably shown to be important determinants of snack choice. The contribution of different sensations to food choice is imperative, and helps us to understand aspects of snacking behavior. This could have broader implications concerning public health issues and obesity.

scholarly journals ‘Eating to survive’: A qualitative analysis of factors influencing food choice and eating behaviour in a food-insecure population

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo-Anne Puddephatt ◽  
Gregory S Keenan ◽  
Amy Fielden ◽  
Danielle Reaves ◽  
Jason Halford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Access To Food

Food insecurity affects approximately 8.4 million people in the UK, one of the worst levels in Europe. Food insecurity is associated with poor diet quality and obesity; however, the drivers of this relationship are unclear. This study used a qualitative approach to explore factors that influence food choice and eating behaviour in a food-insecure population in Liverpool, UK. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with adults (N=24) who were clients at foodbanks. The interviews were informed by a semi-structured interview schedule, which focussed on access to food, factors influencing food choices, and strategies used to conserve food. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Six themes were identified; ‘Income’, ‘Cost of food’, ‘Accessibility of shops’, ‘Health issues’, ‘Food rationing strategies’ and ‘Worsened health outcomes’. Income was the most salient factor influencing participants’ food choices with all participants reporting a constant struggle to afford food. Food decisions were primarily based on cost; most participants valued eating healthily but could not afford to do so. Strategies to ration food included skipping meals, consuming small portions, cooking in bulk, and prioritising children’s food intake. The majority of participants reported pre-existing physical and/or mental health issues, but these were exacerbated by poor access to food leading to a vicious cycle of stress and worsening health issues. In conclusion, participants’ food choices and eating behaviour seemed to be most strongly influenced by their level of income. Findings also highlight the mental health impact of food insecurity. Initiatives addressing income and the cost of healthy food are required.

Response to palatability after area postrema lesions: a result of learned aversions

1989 ◽  
Vol 257 (5) ◽  
pp. R1075-R1082
Author(s):  
N. Tomoyasu ◽  
N. J. Kenney
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Area Postrema ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Food Aversion ◽  
Novel Food ◽  
Sham Surgery ◽  
Choice Tests ◽  
Diet History

The role of palatability, novelty, and food aversion in determining changes of food choice after ablation of the area postrema and caudal-medial aspect of the nucleus of the solitary tract (AP/cmNTS) is examined through a series of studies utilizing 24-h, two-food choice tests. On test days, the food that the animal has ingested since the time of lesioning or sham surgery is presented along with a novel food that varies in palatability. The results indicate that postlesion diet history is the major determinant of food choice by lesioned rats. Lesioned rats consistently take less of their familiar postlesion food than diet-matched controls, suggesting that the lesioned rats have developed an aversion to that food. Over-ingestion of the novel food may occur, but this outcome is not reliable. No indication that the animals' response to food palatability is affected by AP/cmNTS ablation was found. Learned aversion to a food ingested after AP/cmNTS ablation may account not only for changes of food preference after the lesion but also may be involved in the hypophagia and weight loss resulting from the ablation.

scholarly journals Pleasure or Health? The Role of Mental Simulation in Desire and Food Choices

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1099
Author(s):  
Naomí C. Muñoz-Vilches ◽  
Hans C. M. van Trijp ◽  
Betina Piqueras-Fiszman
Keyword(s):  
Attentional Bias ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Mental Simulation ◽  
Grounded Cognition ◽  
Implicit Methods ◽  
Simulation Process ◽  
Process And Outcome ◽  
Explicit Measures

Many times, desire possesses us and impedes us from making healthier food choices. From a grounded cognition perspective, we investigated the role of two types of mental simulation (process and outcome) in desire and food choice to understand the processes that modulate them and find strategies that encourage healthier food choices. In addition to these explicit measures, we used two implicit methods to measure approach-avoidance tendencies and visual attention. Our results showed that imagining the consumption of vice and virtue foods increased desire for the product imagined and seemed to favor the choice of a vice food. However, at an implicit level, the motivation to approach and avoid food products was neutral. Imagining the post-consumption of a vice food decreased desire for the imagined food and although it tempted people at an implicit level, it made people more prone to choose a virtue food. When a vice food was imagined, attentional bias increased for all types of food regardless of the simulation. When a virtue food was imagined, there was no effect on choice, motivation nor attentional bias. In conclusion, simply imagining certain foods is a potential solution for promoting healthier and thoughtful choices.

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