Food Choice Factors

There are many different factors that effect our food choices. Social, psychological and environmental are some factors that drive our food choices. Social factors are when a social situation might drive you to eat (or drink) something you normally wouldn't if you were not in that social situation. For instance, I don't normally drink alcohol when I'm alone or at home with my family, but if I were to go to a party and was offered a drink I will likely take it if I'm not driving.

Psychological food choice factors are examined in a study that was done in Psychology and Health. It cites the questions "How much control do you have over what you/your family eat? Do you think much about your own & family’s health when you plan/prepare/eat food? Do you sometimes eat when you’re not really hungry, to cheer yourself up,
as a treat or reward?" (Lawrence, Skinner,  Haslam,  Robinson, Inskip,  Barker &  Barker, 2009).  Many times we not only reward ourselves with food but our children as well which creates the cycle because then they associate food with being rewarded and will continue of with their kids and so on.

Environmental factors come into play when a person makes choices based on their environment. Within my immediate 5 mile vicinity there is a pizza place, a Subway and a Tim Hortons (coffee shop). When I need to make a dinner decision I am likely to choose one of these options because it is quick, easy and within my immediate reach.

Lawrence, W., Skinner, C., Haslam, C., Robinson, S., Inskip, H., Barker, D., & ... Barker, M. (2009). Why women of lower educational attainment struggle to make healthier food choices: The importance of psychological and social factors. Psychology & Health, 24(9), 1003-1020. doi:10.1080/08870440802460426

 

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2013). Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies (13th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.