Study 1

Aim: To study positive mood effect on food choice
Outcome: healthy or indulgent food?
Participants: 211 recruited through Parent-Teacher Associations. 2 groups: positive mood induced group and control group

Food items were chosen on the basis of similarity in terms of typical usage situations.
HEALTHY (abstract goals and nutrition): granola bars, rice cakes, and apples
INDULGENT (concrete goals and taste): candy bars, potato chips, and cookies

A group of participants was asked to read a story, in which main character ended up being very successful in her/his efforts (positive mood induced group). Other participants instead read a valence-free story related to travel (control group condition). After the story each participant self-assessed his/her mood state (e.g., “I am not very comfortable right now”, “I feel sad”, “I feel cheerful”).
Participants were then provided with simple print advertisements of target foods. They had to rate them on taste, sensory experience, nutrition, and health dimension.

Results: Individual in a positive mood, compared to relatively neutral mood, evaluated healthy foods more favorably than indulgent foods in terms of health benefits and future well-being.

What about negative mood? Keep reading!