Effects of a Nudging Cue Targeting Food Choice in a University Cafeteria: A Field Study

Christine Kawa*, Patrizia M. Ianiro-Dahm, Jan F. H. Nijhuis, Wim H. Gijselaers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Many students approaching adulthood often choose high-calorie food products. Concurrently, health interventions applied during this life phase can potentially lead to a healthier lifestyle. Nudge health interventions in experimental cafeteria settings have been found to improve eating behavior effectively, yet research in real-world settings is lacking. Accepting nudges as health interventions impacts nudge effectiveness. The present study applies a pretest-posttest design for a period of three consecutive weeks (no nudge, nudge, no nudge), testing the effectiveness of the so-called Giacometti cue on the number of calories purchased in a real-world cafeteria. Students were exposed to the nudge during the intervention week when entering the cafeteria and when choosing their meals. After purchasing a meal, their choice was recorded, and they completed a questionnaire. The Giacometti cue immediately reduced the number of calories purchased (comparing weeks one and two). After nudge removal, an effect was identified, increasing the number of calories purchased (comparing weeks two and three). Contrary to expectations, higher nudge acceptance resulted in more calories purchased. Neither awareness of the nudge's presence when buying food nor the interaction between acceptance and awareness played a role. We explore potential explanations for the Giacometti cue's effects.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1307
Number of pages23
JournalHealthcare
Volume11
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 May 2023

Keywords

  • nudging
  • nudge acceptance
  • eating behavior
  • food choice
  • cafeteria setting
  • health intervention
  • students
  • immediate effects
  • field study
  • BEHAVIOR
  • ACCEPTABILITY
  • ATTITUDES
  • DIRECTION
  • EXPOSURE
  • ART

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