Effects of Economic Recession on Women’s Preference or Avoidance of High-Calorie Foods

Abstract

From an evolutionary psychology perspective, different predictions can be made about the effects of economic recession on women’s attitudes toward high-calorie foods. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the factors moderating the effects of economic recession on women’s preference for, or avoidance of, high-calorie foods. We focused on the presence of a boyfriend and BMI (Body Mass Index) as moderators of the effects of economic recession. The results of the study showed that female participants with a partner preferred high-calorie foods when economic recession was primed, as did those with a low BMI in the implicit measure when economic recession was primed. These results indicate that the presence of a boyfriend and levels of BMI are moderators of the effects of economic recession on women’s preference for, or avoidance of, high-calorie foods.