This book examines how the social environment affects food choices and intake, and documents the extent to which people are unaware of the significant impact of social factors on their eating. The authors take a unique approach to studying eating behaviors in ordinary circumstances, presenting a theory of normal eating that highlights social influences independent of physiological and taste factors.Among the topics discussed:Modeling of food intake and food choiceConsumption stereotypes and impression managementResearch design, methodology, and ethics of studying eating behaviorsWhat happens when we overeat?Effects of social eatingSocial Influences on Eating is a useful reference for psychologists and researchers studying food and nutritional psychology, challenging commonly held assumptions about the dynamics of food choice and intake in order to promote a better understanding of the power of social influence on all forms of behavior.

Broadens our understanding of why we eat what we eat, and of how much we eat

1. Introduction.- 2. A Theory of Normal Eating.- 3. Research Design, Methodology and Ethics.- 4. Modeling of Food Intake.- 5. Modeling of Food Choice.- 6. Consumption Stereotypes and Impression Management: Food Intake.- 7. Consumption Stereotypes and Impression Management: Food Choice.- 8. A Theory of Normal Eating - Reprise and Non-Social Examples.- 9. Social Comparison.- 10. What Happens When We Overeat?.- 11. Social Facilitation.- 12. Awareness of Social Cues.- 13. Effects of Social Eating.- 14. Concluding Remarks.