Presenter: Siddhi Sharma

Faculty Sponsor: Leda Cooks

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Communication and Media Studies

Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, 163, C6

ABSTRACT

Food is a powerful tool with capabilities that transcend its basic function of providing energy. Previous research has defined the role of food and its connection with mind, body, and mood with regards to emotional imbalance and the intake of food. This study aims to further add to the understanding of this relationship between food and mood by testing the effects of comfort foods as an emotion regulation strategy. This relationship will be examined through the analysis of the intake of certain nutrients that tend to release specific neurotransmitters associated with a more positive mood. Participants were asked to keep a food diary for 7 days during which they recorded their first meal of the day and any meal after that was taken during the experience of a negative emotion. They were also asked to fill out a mood questionnaire (PANAS) before and after each recorded meal. A qualitative analysis was performed using the data from the food diary, mood questionnaire, and a systematic review of previous research that connected neurotransmitter release with the intake of certain nutrients. It was hypothesized that the release of certain neurotransmitters through the intake of comfort foods would be associated with a more positive mood. This will help establish whether food can be used as an emotional regulation strategy.