Emotional meaning in eating behavior: a systematic review

Emotional meaning in eating behavior: a systematic review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5027/psicoperspectivas-Vol24-Issue1-fulltext-3291

Keywords:

emotion, food, meaning, memory, nostalgia

Abstract

Various studies have highlighted the importance of attributing meanings to food, recognizing this aspect as fundamental to the development of various culinary practices that encompass purchasing, preparation, and consumption of food. However, the study of the emotions surrounding these meanings has been underexplored. Research in this area has primarily focused on how food is used as a means of emotional regulation, associating it with the development of mental and physical health pathologies. The main objective of this research is to provide a theoretical overview of recent studies that link the emotional significance of food and its construction across generations, influencing cultural customs and perpetuating certain social stigmas that impact personal identity formation. To this end, a systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA method, selecting 14 studies for analysis. The emerging categories were: meanings associated with food, emotions and eating behavior, and identity creation through food. These categories serve as fundamental premises for the development of this research.

Author Biography

Liz Carolay Vanegas Rodríguez, Universidad de Manizales

Postgraduate student in the area of Clinical Psychology at the University of Manizales, with a special affinity for the processes of understanding human behavior in terms of the creation of meanings based on individuality and life in society.

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Published

2025-03-07

How to Cite

Vanegas Rodríguez, L. C. (2025). Emotional meaning in eating behavior: a systematic review. Psicoperspectivas, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.5027/psicoperspectivas-Vol24-Issue1-fulltext-3291

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