Food Porn & A Snack: Investigating the Effect of Mindset on a Taste Test

The hot/cool system framework attempts to understand the processes that enable and undermine self-control. This framework is based upon the notion that hot and cool cognitions are representative of a dichotomy within cognitive functioning that moderates the exertion of self-control. While the cool system can be described as a cognitive and emotionally stable construct that serves as the center for self-regulation and control, the hot system forms the basis for emotionality, passion, and impulsivity. This research study investigates the effect of attentional priming towards hot or cool systems on snack food consumption in college students. Participants read a short set of instructions designed to direct their attention towards the appetitive or non-appetitive aspects of food presented in a selection of short videos. Following viewing, participants were presented with a variety of snacks, popular amongst college students, as well as evaluation forms for each food sampled. The total mass consumption of snack foods eaten during the test was measured in order to determine if attentional priming influenced total consumption.