Under pressure: Nudging increases healthy food choice in a virtual reality supermarket, irrespective of system 1 reasoning.

Under pressure: Nudging increases healthy food choice in a virtual reality supermarket, irrespective of system 1 reasoning. Appetite. 2021 Jan 12;:105116 Authors: Blom SSAH, Gillebaart M, De Boer F, van der Laan N, De Ridder DTD Abstract Previous research has shown that nudging can effectively support people's healthy food choices. Yet, to date knowledge about the psychological premises of nudging is limited, highlighting the need for closer scrutiny to determine how and when nudging is most effective. In the current study, we assessed whether the presumed effect of nudging on healthy food choice is enhanced under time pressure, a condition probing alleged system 1 reasoning. Food choice was studied in a realistic virtual reality supermarket where healthier alternatives were nudged by making them more salient. We additionally explored possible differences in decision-making experiences related to nudging or time pressure. The study took place at a science festival where visitors could decide to participate in a study. Participants (n = 99) had to purchase four products, each from a different product category that was provided on a shopping list. In the nudging condition, one healthier option within each product category was nudged by making it more salient. While a main effect of nudging was found, showing in increased healthy food choices, this effect was not further qualified by time pressure, suggesting that the effectiveness of n...
Source: Appetite - Category: Nutrition Authors: Tags: Appetite Source Type: research