psychology of food and cultural beliefs

Question 1

describe how beliefs (cultural traditions) affect the way we eat.

Answer 1

beliefs or a particular religion can often determine the types of foods we consume; for example Islam prohibits pork, non-halal foods and alcohol.

Question 2

describe how our emotions affect the way we eat.

Answer 2

negative emotions such as anger, fear or sadness may increase impulsive eating, however, this may cause a feeling of guilt after consuming the food.

past experiences such as a negative experience with food may increase aversion from a particular food for an extended period of time.

habits and rituals may also affect the way we eat - routines performed without thinking (eating breakfast, salt on meals, eating cake on birthdays).