Food Choice 43Problems with a developmental modelA developmental approach to food choice provides detailed evidence on
how food preferences are acquired in childhood. This perspective empha-
sizes the role of learning and places the individual within an environment
which is rich in cues and reinforcers. Such an analysis also allows for a
moderate interaction between learning and physiology. However, there are
some problems with this perspective, as follows:
- Much of the research carried out within this perspective has taken place
within the laboratory as a means to provide a controlled environment.
Although this methodology enables alternative explanations to be
excluded, the extent to which the results would generalize to a more
naturalistic setting remains unclear. - A developmental model explores the meaning of food in terms of food
as a reward, food as a means to gain a reward, food as status, food as
pleasant, and food as aversive. However, food has a much more diverse
set of meanings which are not incorporated into this model. For example,
food can mean power, sexuality, religion, and culture. Such complex
meanings are not incorporated into a developmental perspective. - Once eaten, food is incorporated into the body and can change body
size. This is also loaded with a complex set of meanings such as attrac-
tiveness, control, lethargy, and success. A developmental model does
not address the meanings of the body. - A developmental model includes a role for cognitions, as some of
the meanings of food including reward and aversion are considered to
motivate behavior. These cognitions remain implicit, however, and are
not explicitly described.
In summary, developmental models of food choice highlight a central role
for learning. From this perspective, food choice is influenced by exposure,
which can reduce neophobia, social learning through the observation of
important others, and associative learning, as food cues can be paired with
aspects of the environment and the physiological consequences of eating.
Cognitive Models of Food Choice
A cognitive approach to food choice focuses on an individual’s cognitions
and has explored the extent to which cognitions predict and explain