Research paper
Higgs S. Social norms and their influence on eating behaviours. Appetite. 2015 Mar;86:38-44. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2014.10.021
Why we cite it
Sole-authored review by the Editor-in-Chief of *Appetite* that synthesizes the social norms and eating literature into a novel evolutionary framework. Goes beyond the standard affiliation-vs-correctness dichotomy to propose that norm following is an adaptive behavior promoting safe food selection and cooperative food sharing. Uniquely integrates evolutionary reasoning (omnivore's dilemma, social learning across generations), moderating factors (uncertainty, in-group identity, body weight of norm referent), and neural mechanisms (shared reward systems for food and social approval). Distinguishes private acceptance (identity change) from public compliance as the key to sustained behavior change — a practically important insight for interventions.
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.10.021 · PubMed 25451578 · Publisher