You are who you eat with: How dining choices change in social scenarios

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Alexandra Nicoletti (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Social interactions play a key role in meal choice. Decisions on meal choice are made on factors such as personal preference, nutrition knowledge, convenience, hunger levels, economic factors, and psychological factors. When dining with a stranger, individuals may choose a meal they believe will leave an impression on their dining partner. The purpose of the current study is to understand the role of social factors on meal choice, specifically the role of perceived attractiveness of an individual. After arriving at the laboratory, two participants who were previously unacquainted spent time getting to know each other. Next, participants were provided with a menu to a fast-casual restaurant and asked to consider what they would order if they were in a restaurant ordering a meal for themselves. Participants who were randomly assigned to a private order condition were asked to not discuss their order with their partner, while those who were randomly assigned to a public order condition were asked to discuss and take their partner’s order. Finally, participants completed questionnaires measuring their relationship status, social motives, social interaction anxiety, self-presentation, and their opinions about the other participant who they met during the experiment. Our primary hypothesis is that among heterosexual individuals who are not currently in a romantic relationship and who tell their partner their order, individuals will choose meals with fewer calories when they perceive their opposite-sex partner as attractive.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2023

Subjects

meal choice, social scenarios, attractiveness

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