Eating in groups: Do multiple social influences affect intake in a fast-food restaurant?

Emily Brindal; Carlene Wilson; Philip Mohr; Gary Wittert

doi:10.1177/1359105315576607

Eating in groups: Do multiple social influences affect intake in a fast-food restaurant?

J Health Psychol. 2015 May;20(5):483-9. doi: 10.1177/1359105315576607.

Authors

Emily Brindal¹, Carlene Wilson², Philip Mohr³, Gary Wittert³

Affiliations

¹ CSIRO, Australia University of Adelaide, Australia emily.brindal@csiro.au.
² Flinders University, Australia.
³ University of Adelaide, Australia.

PMID: 25903236
DOI: 10.1177/1359105315576607

Abstract

This study investigated multiple social influences to determine whether they affect amount eaten at a fast-food environment. Using observational methods, data on meal duration, foods eaten and personal characteristics were collected for 157 McDonald's patrons. Analysis of covariance revealed that female diners ate less kilojoules when eating in mixed- versus same-sex groups (adjusted difference = 967 kJ, p < .05), while male diners eating in mixed-sex company ate more in groups compared to pairs (adjusted difference = 1067 kJ, p = .019). Influences to increase and restrict the amount eaten can operate simultaneously in an eating environment with gender a critical factor for consideration.

Keywords: fast food; groups; minimal eating; norms; social influence.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Eating / psychology
Fast Foods*
Feeding Behavior / psychology*
Female
Humans
Male
Sex Factors
Social Behavior*
Young Adult