This book examines how the social environment affects food choices and
intake, and documents the extent to which people are unaware of the
significant impact of social factors on their eating. The authors take a
unique approach to studying eating behaviors in ordinary circumstances,
presenting a theory of normal eating that highlights social influences
independent of physiological and taste factors.
Among the topics discussed:
- Modeling of food intake and food choice
- Consumption stereotypes and impression management
- Research design, methodology, and ethics of studying eating behaviors
- What happens when we overeat?
- Effects of social eating
Social Influences on Eating is a useful reference for psychologists
and researchers studying food and nutritional psychology, challenging
commonly held assumptions about the dynamics of food choice and intake
in order to promote a better understanding of the power of social
influence on all forms of behavior.