The Psychology of Eating

The Psychology of Eating, MET PS501

Why do we choose the foods that we do? How do social and cultural messages about food impact our preferences and attitudes toward what we eat? How do cues in the environment affect our perceptions of being full or the quantities and types of food that we eat? Why do people diet, and more importantly, do diets work? How do we understand eating disorders and obesity? These are just some of the questions that we will address in the course, The Psychology of Eating.

The Psychology of Eating will focus on understanding the psychological processes underlying eating and eating-related health problems. The course will cover the spectrum of eating behavior beginning from what we currently view as healthy eating through body dissatisfaction and dieting, and finally ending with obesity and eating disorders. Attention will be devoted to understanding the development of psychological health problems associated with food choice, eating behaviors, and our bodies. We will also spend time examining social and cultural influences on eating, food, and our sense of self as it relates to eating and food choice.

This course is typically offered every other year in the Fall semester through Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET). Students in other colleges at BU may take MET courses for elective credit. Refer to your individual college for details.

 

 

 

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