Who studies these things, and why? In this case, Joseph Kasof is who. I am still trying to find an answer to why?
According to Personality and Individual Differences, the official journal of the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences (who knew there was such an organization?), "Dieters who eat with the lamps turned low eat more than those who dine in bright light."
Why? you ask. Kasof thinks it is because of lowered self-awareness. That fits with other research on self-awareness.
For example, children given an opportunity to take candy out of a bowl took less if there was a mirror over the bowl, in which they could see themselves taking the candy. People parking in an honor-system parking lot pay more often if there is a mirror they have to walk past by the exit near the payment box.
Okay. No candlelit, romantic dinners while I am on my diet. Sorry, honey. Turn the lights up, at least until dinner is over.
January 9, 2012
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Stephania Guilliams
ReplyDeleteSocial Psychology M-W-F @9:10
I think if you only get to have a candlelit dinner every once in a while who cares! My husband and I have been married 13 years and have had mabe 3 candlelit dinners. You have to have a little romance in there somewhere!
I find this research interesting because of the whole self-control aspect. It sets the stage for innovative applications in dieting, security, etc. If the research is supported by enough evidence, I would be willing to try eating in a brighter environment or in front of a mirror to see if it lowers the amount of food I eat. The security applications of this are more subtle. Would people be less willing to commit a crime if they were able to see themselves doing it? Would they be able to lie convincingly if they were forced to stare at themselves in a mirror instead of looking at the inquisitor? This post raises some interesting questions about how easily some actions could be curbed.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Davis
Intro to Social Psychology
MWF 9:10AM
You are what you eat. I guess if you can't see what you're eating, there's no self-judging required. Who would want to eat in the dark anyway? I prefer a well lit room so one can see what they're eating and make sure all the food is separated and not touching and cooked appropriately. Oh, not everyone does that? That's a different subject (and class) I suppose.
ReplyDeleteSarah Girty
Social Psych - 9:10-10:00
I can see it now: Researchers show that eating meals under a spotlight can drastically reduce obesity. I love this stuff. I still cant stop laughing but if you drive by my house and its lit up like a stadium you'll know i need to lose a few pounds.
ReplyDeleteShawna Carrier
MWF 12:10
General Psychology