Research paper
Maas J, de Ridder DTD, de Vet E, de Wit JBF. Do distant foods decrease intake? The effect of food accessibility on consumption. Psychology & Health. 2012;27(Suppl 2):59-73.
Why we cite it
First study to formally distinguish between effort and salience as mechanisms underlying the proximity effect. By testing three distances (20/70/140 cm) and separately measuring perceived effort and visual salience, established that distance works through increased effort — not by making food less visible. Also importantly showed no compensatory craving, meaning distance interventions don't backfire. An independent non-Wansink replication of the proximity effect.
DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2011.565341 · PubMed 21678172 · Publisher