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Published on: June 21, 2019
"Is this a meal or snack?" Situational cues that drive perceptions
Brian Wansink1, Collin R Payne, Mitsuru Shimizu
1Cornell University, 110 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. bcw28@cornell.edu
Appetite
|October 8, 2009
Summary
People decide if an eating occasion is a meal or snack based on food and environmental cues. This perception influences eating behaviors throughout the day.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Nutrition Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Distinguishing between meals and snacks is crucial for understanding eating behaviors.
- This distinction can impact overall daily food intake and dietary choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing the perception of an eating occasion as either a meal or a snack.
- To understand how these perceptions affect subsequent eating patterns.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 122 participants.
- Participants reported on the cues they used to classify eating occasions.
Main Results:
- Participants utilized food-related cues, including food quality, portion size, perceived healthfulness, and preparation time.
- Environmental cues such as dining companions, seating arrangements, and tableware quality also played a significant role.
- These cues collectively determined whether an occasion was classified as a meal or a snack.
Conclusions:
- The perception of a meal versus a snack is determined by a combination of food and environmental factors.
- Understanding these determinants has implications for dietary interventions and public health recommendations.
- Health professionals can leverage this knowledge to guide individuals, particularly those dieting.
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