Barbara Edelman

ABSTRACT Six experiments were conducted to examine factors affecting the consumer acceptance of novel foods. Variables included for analyses of their effects were: (1) preparation variables; (2) product name and type of serving vessel; (3) brand labels and packaging; (4) availability of product information; (5) nature and quantity of product information; and (6) degree of familiarity of the user with the product. Results of these experiments were interpreted within a theoretical framework that postulates that the hedonic response to food is a function of the degree to which expectancies about the food are matched by subsequent experiences with it. Based on the theory of cognitive dissonance, this theoretical framework is proposed as a useful analytic tool for predicting consumer responses to novel foods.

The authors prospectively studied psychotropic prescribing practices and quality assurance data in 17 nursing homes in the Baltimore area to assess the impact of federal antipsychotic drug regulations. There was a 36% reduction in prescriptions for neuroleptics over 6 months, no increase in prescriptions for sedative/hypnotics, and a small increase in prescriptions for antidepressants. The authors conclude that psychotropic drug prescribing practices and patient outcomes remain important areas of study in nursing homes.

The incidence of emotional distress-related eating was investigated through a structured interview given to a sample of 49 men and 51 women, 21 to 55 yr. of age. The interview was designed to uncover the incidence of emotional distress-related eating, types of situations under which it occurs, and its relationship to body weight. Results indicated emotional distress-related eating occurs frequently particularly among women (51% reported binge eating at least 3 times per month). There was a great deal of individual variability in motives given for binge eating but typically only one or two motives applied to a given subject. There was no relationship between amount of overweight and binge eating. 27% of subjects reported regularly eating in response to environmental stimuli. The implications for psychosomatic and externality theories of obesity are discussed.