The effect of the spatial positioning of a healthy food cue on food choice from a pictorial-style menu. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keegan, Ella; Kemps, Eva; Prichard, Ivanka; Polivy, Janet; Herman, C. Peter; Tiggemann, Marika
• Is Part Of: Eating behaviors. Volume 34(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Food cues -- Food choice -- Spatial positioning -- Nudging -- Dietary restraint; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; Compulsive eating -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2019.101313
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-0153

Abstract

Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the spatial positioning of a healthy food cue in the context of unhealthy food cues on subsequent food choice. Undergraduate women ( N = 143) were asked to choose a food from a pictorial-style menu that presented a salad and three unhealthier food options in a horizontal line. The position of the salad was manipulated to be presented either (a) in the middle, (b) at the end, or (c) separated by 5 cm to the right of the line of unhealthier food options. Participants also completed a questionnaire measure of dietary restraint. Participants were significantly more likely to choose the salad when it was presented separately rather than in the middle of the unhealthier food options. This effect was not moderated by dietary restraint. The findings point to the possibility of designing pictorial menus in fast-food outlets in such a way as to subtly nudge people towards making healthier food choices. Highlights: Spatial positioning of healthy and unhealthy food cues affects food choice. Presenting a healthy food cue separately on a menu increases healthy food choices. Dietary restraint does not moderate effects.