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Published on: June 5, 2016
Exploring the Role of Self-Kindness in Making Healthier Eating Choices: A Preliminary Study
Misba Hussain1, Helen Egan2, Rebecca Keyte2
1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences, Birmingham City University, The Curzon Building, 4 Cardigan St., Birmingham, B4 7BD, UK. Misba.hussain@mail.bcu.ac.uk.
Background:
Food selection is an important factor in the prevalence of obesity, and regularly choosing nutrient-poor high-energy foods can have negative health consequences. The present study tested whether the use of mindful construal diaries (MCD) combined with self-kindness could promote healthier eating choices.
Method:
Ninety participants were randomly assigned to either a self-kindness to the mind condition or self-kindness to the mind and body condition, and were served M&Ms and grapes as an unhealthy and healthy option, respectively.
Results:
The results suggested that a difference in consumption was found between the two conditions, with participants in the self-kindness to the mind condition consuming significantly more grapes than those in the self-kindness to the mind and body condition. However, this difference was restricted to those who are usually low consumers of fruit and vegetable.
Conclusion:
The effect of self-kindness towards promoting heathier eating whilst considering the body thus appears to require further investigation. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.
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