Adherence refers to the degree to which a person follows a prescribed or recommended plan, guideline, or treatment regimen. In various contexts, such as healthcare, it involves sticking to medication schedules, dietary recommendations, exercise routines, or other therapeutic practices as advised by a professional. High adherence indicates that an individual consistently follows the plan, while low adherence suggests deviations or non-compliance. Nutrition Adherence: The extent to which an individual consistently follows a recommended dietary plan or eating guidelines.
Psychology and Nutrition Adherence Psychology and nutrition adherence explores how psychological factors influence an individual's ability to follow dietary recommendations and maintain healthy eating habits. Behavioral Motivation: Understanding how motivation and goal-setting impact dietary adherence. Emotional Influences: Examining how emotions and stress affect eating behaviors and adherence to nutrition plans. Cognitive Factors: Analyzing how beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about nutrition influence adherence. Habit Formation: Studying how forming healthy eating habits supports long-term adherence to dietary guidelines.
What is Nutritional Psychology? Definition of NP: Interdisciplinary scientific area Explores connections between diet and psychological, behavioral, cognitive, sensory-perceptual, interoceptive , social, and neurodevelopmental processes and outcomes
Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR) in Nutritional Psychology Scope of NP through DMHR: Examines diet's influence on psychological functioning, processes, experience, and outcomes Shapes how we think, feel, act, sense, and experience the world Conceptual Frameworks: DMHR: Shorthand for diet-mental health relationship Facilitates communication of NP concepts in academic and clinical settings
Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Sciences Components of Nutritional Psychology Psychological Components Human mind and behavior Cognition: How diet affects thinking and understanding Emotion and Mood: Impact of nutrients on feelings Perception: Sensory experiences related to food Examined Factors: Nutrient impact on mood and emotions Dietary patterns influencing cognition Psychological aspects of food choices
Behavioral Components Food preferences (Influenced by taste, cultural factors, and individual experiences) Emotional eating (Eating in response to emotions rather than hunger Often linked to stress, boredom, or comfort) Body perception (How individuals view and perceive their own bodies). Influences eating behaviors and dietary choices.Can lead to positive or negative eating habits depending on body satisfaction. Eating disorders (Psychological conditions affecting eating habitsIncludes anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder
Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa is .(Restrictions of extreme of food intake(. Bulimia Nervosa is involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use to prevent weight gain. Binge-Eating Disorder: A psychological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and significant distress, without engaging in compensatory behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise.
Social Sciences Components Influence of social factors on diet The impact of societal factors on food choices, dietary intake patterns, and cognitive frameworks regarding nutrition. Cultural upbringing (The influence of cultural background and traditions on dietary habits and food preferences. Example: A person raised in a Mediterranean culture may grow up eating a diet rich in olive oil, vegetables, and fish, which influences their lifelong food preferences and dietary choices Societal norms( In many societies, it is a social norm to have three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—which influences daily eating patterns and meal schedules. Personal beliefs(Individual convictions or values that influence food choices and dietary practices.) Example: A person who believes in a plant-based lifestyle will choose vegetarian or vegan foods and avoid animal products based on their ethical or health convictions. Social Influences: Shaping of food choices(Social and cultural factors influence individual preferences and decisions about what foods to eat. Example: In cultures valuing traditional meals, individuals prioritize traditional dishes and celebrate with specific foods during holidays. Dietary intake patterns( Cognitive frameworks towards nutrition
Dietary intake patterns The typical habits and practices related to the frequency, quantity, and types of food consumed, influenced by social norms and cultural practices. Example: I n some cultures, it is common to have multiple small meals throughout the day, while in others, people may stick to three larger meals. Cognitive frameworks towards nutrition The mental models and beliefs about what constitutes healthy eating, shaped by social influences and personal experiences. Example: A person influenced by social media trends may believe that a ketogenic diet is the best for weight loss, impacting their dietary choices based on popular but not necessarily evidence-based opinions.
Nutrition Sciences Component of Nutritional Psychology Nutritional Sciences: Examines the interaction between nutrients, metabolism, and health outcomes. Studies the impact of nutrients and dietary patterns on cognitive processes, mood regulation, and emotional well-being. Physiological Aspects: Impact of nutrients on bodily functions and health. Biochemical Aspects: How nutrients influence biochemical processes and mood. Metabolic Aspects: Relationship between diet and metabolic functions.
Implications and Uses: Cognitive Performance: Nutrients affect brain function and cognitive abilities. Mood Regulation: Certain nutrients can influence mood stability and emotional states. Eating Disorders: Understanding how dietary choices impact eating behaviors and disorders. Body Composition: Nutritional influence on body weight and composition.
Neuroscience Component of Nutritional Psychology Neuroscience: Studies the brain and nervous system's role in cognition, perception, and behavior. Examines how neural processes and brain mechanisms impact mental states, emotions, and cognitive functions in relation to nutrition. Neurobiological Aspects: Impact of brain mechanisms on eating behavior and mental health. Affective and Emotional Aspects: How neural pathways influence emotions and food-related behaviors.
Neural Correlates of Food Preferences: Brain regions involved in determining food likes and dislikes. Emotional Eating: Neural responses to stress or emotional triggers leading to eating. Body Perception: Brain areas related to body image and self-perception. Eating Disorders: Neural mechanisms underlying conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. Dietary Patterns: How different diets affect brain function and behavior.
Biochemical Component of Nutritional Psychology Biochemistry: Studies molecular processes within living organisms, including biochemical reactions and cellular metabolism. Explores the impact of biochemical factors on food and eating behavior. Molecular and Cellular Aspects: How biochemical reactions influence food preferences, emotional eating, and metabolism. Food Preferences: Biochemical factors that affect taste and food choices. Emotional Eating: Role of neurotransmitters and hormones in emotional responses to food. Body Metabolism: Impact of nutrients on metabolic processes and energy levels. Nutrient Deficiencies: Effects of lacking essential nutrients on mental and physical health.
Dietary Patterns: Biochemical implications of various diets on overall health. Enzyme Activities: How enzymes facilitate nutrient breakdown and absorption. Hormone Levels: Influence of hormones on hunger, satiety, and mood. Nutrient Absorption: Efficiency of nutrient uptake and its effects on health. Genetic Variations: How genetic differences impact individual responses to diet. Metabolic Responses: How different diets affect metabolic rates and health outcomes. Cellular Signaling: Role of cellular signals in regulating appetite and metabolism.
Physiological Component of Nutritional Psychology Physiology: Examines how bodily systems and functions are regulated and maintained. Studies the impact of dietary intake on physiological processes and overall well-being. Nutrient Influence: Impact of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids) on bodily functions. Metabolism: How diet affects metabolic processes and energy levels. Neurotransmitter Function: Role of nutrients in regulating brain chemicals that influence mood and cognition. Hormonal Regulation: Effect of diet on hormone levels and hormonal balance. Brain Structure: Influence of nutrients on brain health and cognitive functions. Physiological Responses to Nutrients: Effects of specific nutrients on neurotransmitters, hormones, and brain structure. Disordered Eating Patterns: Physiological consequences of malnutrition and overconsumption. Psychological implications of these consequences.
Psychiatric Component of Nutritional Psychology Psychiatry: Focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Utilizes therapeutic interventions to aid individuals with clinical mental health conditions. Nutritional Psychiatry: Expands traditional psychiatry by integrating nutritional science to explore the relationship between diet and mental health. Diet and Nutrients: Examines how dietary intake and specific nutrients affect emotions, behavior, cognition, and psychosocial experiences.