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Assessment of Social Transmission of Food Preferences Behaviors
Published on: January 25, 2018
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Food-evoked nostalgia
Chelsea A Reid1, Jeffrey D Green2, Sophie Buchmaier1
1Department of Psychology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
Cognition & Emotion
|November 4, 2022
Summary
Food is a powerful trigger for nostalgia, evoking positive emotions and fulfilling key psychological needs. This food-evoked nostalgia enhances feelings of self-esteem, social connection, and life meaning.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Food Science
- Consumer Behavior
Background:
- Nostalgia is a complex emotion often triggered by sensory experiences.
- Food plays a significant role in personal memories and cultural practices.
- Understanding the psychological impact of food-related nostalgia is crucial for various fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate food as a potent elicitor of nostalgic experiences.
- To analyze the characteristics and psychological functions of food-evoked nostalgia.
- To compare food-evoked nostalgia with nostalgia elicited by other stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted involving visualization and consumption of various foods and flavors.
- Participants reported on the profile of food-evoked nostalgia, including emotional valence and autobiographical relevance.
- Psychological functions such as positive affect, self-esteem, social connectedness, and meaning in life were assessed.
Main Results:
- Food was confirmed as a powerful elicitor of nostalgia across all studies.
- Food-evoked nostalgia is predominantly a positive emotional experience with high autobiographical relevance.
- Nostalgia elicited by food significantly contributed to psychological well-being and state nostalgia.
Conclusions:
- Food serves as a significant and effective trigger for nostalgia.
- Food-evoked nostalgia positively influences psychological functions, enhancing well-being.
- The findings highlight the deep connection between food, memory, and emotional health.
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