The Social Dimension of Eating Behavior

In a recent review article, health psychologist Prof. Dr. Jutta Mata challenges existing research that predominantly views eating behavior as an individual activity. She argues that, in future, meals should be studied within their social context and that measures to promote healthier eating should be based on this approach. The article appeared in Nature Reviews Psychology.

This text was translated from German by AI / DeepL Pro.

The issue of nutrition is a major challenge of our time – both for individual and public health, and for the ‘health’ of our planet. In recent years, numerous intervention programs have been carried out to encourage people to adopt a healthier, more plant-based diet. “These programs have mostly failed to achieve their goals. My hypothesis is that this is because eating was viewed as an individual activity, even though it also has a strong social component,” says Prof. Dr. Jutta Mata.

In a recent article published in the journal Nature Reviews Psychology, the health psychologist argues that eating fulfils a central social function and has always been embedded in social contexts. “Eating is far more than a basic physical need,” says Mata. Eating, and shared meals in particular, have numerous dimensions: they can bring joy, are based on trust – for example, when we eat food prepared by someone else – have a ritualistic character, are culturally shaped and can strengthen a sense of belonging to a group – for instance, through religious dietary laws or a vegetarian diet.

Some social aspects of eating have already been well researched. Studies show, for example, that shared family meals have a positive effect on the weight of children and young people and influence their well-being: on days when they ate together, those surveyed felt happier and less stressed. Furthermore, shared meals can even mitigate the effects of conflicts within the family. “This is just one example, but eating behavior is significant for so many aspects of health that a psychological understanding of it is hugely important.”

Mata suggests developing new methodological approaches and making greater use of modern methods such as sensor technologies and Bluetooth-based proximity detection. “Experimental studies in natural social contexts are rare, and only a few focus on other relevant groups such as siblings, peers or colleagues. Lifespan approaches that examine how the influence of social contexts on eating behavior develops over time would also be useful.” Mata is convinced: “If we start to research eating behavior in its natural social context, we can develop more effective interventions for healthier eating for both people and the planet.”

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