Category: Cognitive psychology

According to research, poor inhibitory control is significantly linked to obesity, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind eating behavior. The food stop signal task is a specialized psychological test designed to measure an individual's ability to inhibit a prepotent (automatic) response to food cues. By assessing this specific form of self-regulation, researchers gain valuable insights into the impulsive eating tendencies that contribute to weight-related issues and other eating disorders.

Decades of scientific research have explored the link between intelligence and body weight, revealing a complex and often bidirectional relationship. Some studies indicate that lower IQ in childhood may predict higher BMI in adulthood, while others suggest that obesity in midlife can negatively impact cognitive function later in life.

Recent studies in developmental psychology show that a child's eating habits and food choices are not random, but are shaped by their cognitive development. Piaget's theory of nutrition is an application of his broader cognitive framework, suggesting that children's understanding of food and healthy eating evolves through distinct developmental stages, from sensory exploration to abstract reasoning.

Research has consistently shown that perfectionism and cognitive distortions are significantly linked to the onset and maintenance of eating disorders. This article delves into **what cognitive factors contribute to eating disorders**, exploring the distorted thinking patterns that drive these complex conditions.

According to a study from the Kellogg School of Management, dieters were more likely to fall prey to the psychological bias known as the negative calorie illusion, where adding a healthy side makes an unhealthy meal seem less caloric. This cognitive shortcut can have a significant impact on people's dietary choices and overall health.